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Trump approves UFC fight to be held on White House lawn
  • NNP=Hong Seong-Gu
  • September 7, 2025 at 6:30 AM
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President Donald Trump will host an unprecedented UFC cage fight on the South Lawn of the White House, according to UFC President Dana White.


The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that White, who pitched the idea directly to President Trump at a White House meeting, told his 10.7 million social media followers after the meeting, "The White House is on its way to the fights," adding, "We did it today."


The event, slated for next summer, will feature mixed martial arts in one of the nation’s most iconic venues, complete with fireworks, a laser show, and thousands of spectators.


Under the plan, a UFC Octagon cage will be set up between the White House and the Washington Monument, attracting a crowd expected to watch the fights on large screens set up at the Ellipse and in the surrounding area.


Critics have dismissed the concept as undignified, with one article calling it "authoritarian theater," but Trump allies view it as a bold display of showmanship.


Some White House aides have UFC memorabilia in their offices and are already fielding ticket requests from lawmakers and acquaintances, the newspaper reported.


President Trump, a long-time supporter of the sport, discussed the plan with White for about an hour, according to officials. His daughter Ivanka, a practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a UFC fan, participated in the conversation by phone and is expected to be involved in the planning.

The event was originally scheduled for July 4, 2026, to conclude the nation's 250th anniversary, but it has been moved to June due to other commemorative events already planned.


UFC plans a multi-day fan festival at the National Mall, including fan meet-and-greets and interactive exhibits. Fighter weigh-ins and press conferences could take place on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, though organizers stress the plans are in their early stages.

“This will be one of the biggest and most historic sporting events in history, and President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision of commemorating America’s monumental 250th anniversary,” said Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung.


According to the WSJ, presidents have long intertwined sports and politics, from Warren Harding's tennis matches in the 1920s to George W. Bush's softball games and Barack Obama's pickup basketball.


President Trump's connection to UFC dates back two decades, when bouts were held at his Atlantic City casinos. He has been one of the sport's most prominent political backers, attending events and spearheading efforts to connect with UFC's largely young, male fan base.


By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, NNP USA / Special Contribution info@newsandpost.com 


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