White is scheduled to visit Washington on 28/8 to meet with President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka to discuss details of the octagon construction, security checks, audience coordination, locker room preparation for fighters, and live broadcast arrangements. This will be the first time an octagon appears at the center of American political power.
"This event is definitely happening. Imagine, America's 250th birthday and the UFC will be fighting right on the South Lawn of the White House, live on CBS", White declared.
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UFC President Dana White (center) is a longtime supporter of Donald Trump. Photo: TNS |
UFC President Dana White (center) is a longtime supporter of Donald Trump. Photo: TNS
Previously, Trump publicly shared the idea of building an octagon on the White House grounds, with a capacity of about 20,000 to 25,000 spectators, turning it into a "one-of-a-kind" spectacle in American sports history.
First Lady Ivanka will play a key role in organizing the event at the White House after being tasked by Trump to "directly participate in every step". She will coordinate with White to ensure smooth preparations. This is also a rare occasion for Ivanka to return to public activities since leaving politics.
Conor McGregor has expressed his desire to return and participate in this historic event. Former American fighter Jon Jones also mentioned the possibility of participating, but White expressed concerns about the reliability of the fighter who just announced his retirement in June. UFC has not yet announced the event's fight card, but White promised it will be "a historic fight night" with top fighters.
The event was announced as the UFC signed a seven-year, 7.7 billion USD television rights deal with Paramount, averaging 1.1 billion USD per year. The entire event will be broadcast live on Paramount+. This is a significant jump from the current contract with ESPN, worth about 550 million USD annually. Paramount also confirmed it will seek to expand UFC broadcasting rights to international markets when opportunities arise.
White took over UFC in 2001 when the organization was losing money and turned it into the world's largest MMA organization. He is a close friend and longtime supporter of Trump. Trump himself is a regular UFC spectator, often appearing in the front row at major fights, such as at UFC 309 in late 2024.
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Dana White and Donald Trump before a match at UFC 316 on 7/6. Photo: Reuters |
Dana White and Donald Trump before a match at UFC 316 on 7/6. Photo: Reuters
The decision to hold a UFC event at the White House could have multiple political implications for Trump. First, it's a way for him to reinforce his image as a "man of the people," close to young American male voters – a group that is the core audience of UFC and also a strong supporter in previous elections.
In addition, the UFC, with its powerful, decisive, and uncompromising nature, reflects the image Trump wants to project: a leader willing to fight for what he believes in. Holding the event on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day creates a synergistic effect, linking the message of American strength with Trump himself.
This combination allows Trump to not only reach sports fans but also turn the White House into a center of entertainment and politics simultaneously – something not many presidents have done.
Hong Duy (according to CNN)
