President TRUMP announces plans to host UFC title fight at White House for America’s 250th birthday

Friday, July 4, 2025 - US President, Donald Trump has announced plans to stage a UFC championship fight with up to 25,000 spectators on the White House grounds next year as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary.

“Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight — think of this — on the grounds of the White House,” Trump told supporters at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Thursday

Trump, 79, said UFC president Dana White would handle the logistics, promising a full-scale championship fight with 20,000 to 25,000 fans as part of the “America250” festivities.

“We have a lot of land there. We’re going to build a little — we’re not, Dana is going to do it. Dana is great, one of a kind,” Trump said.

The idea is likely to draw criticism from opponents, offering the Republican leader an unorthodox way to connect with voters.

Trump, a longtime friend of White, recently attended UFC 316 in Newark, New Jersey, and last year watched a fight at Madison Square Garden alongside Elon Musk, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald Trump Jr. and Kid Rock.

Trump’s visit to Iowa was planned as a kickoff for America250 events ahead of next year’s Fourth of July, but also served to celebrate his “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed just hours earlier, delivering promised tax cuts on tips, overtime and Social Security benefits.

The president also teased plans for a series of events across national parks, battlefields and historic sites, as well as a “Great American State Fair” culminating in a massive festival on the National Mall.

“Exactly one year from tomorrow, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding with a birthday party the likes of which you have never seen before,” Trump said

Plans also include the official opening of the National Garden of American Heroes and a “Patriot Games” competition featuring top high school athletes from all 50 states.

Meanwhile, New York City will host “Sail4th 250,” a six-day celebration with more than 30 tall ships from around the world, a Blue Angels show, and rare historical displays.