UFC Plans First White House Fight for US 250th Anniversary

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will hold a historic cage fight on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2026, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, with UFC CEO Dana White confirming the event after discussions with President Donald Trump and Ivanka Trump. The fight is expected to draw up to 20,000 spectators and will be broadcast live on CBS as part of a new seven-year, $7 billion streaming deal with Paramount+, which marks a major shift from UFC's traditional pay-per-view model. This event reflects the close relationship between White and President Trump, with White noting the significance of hosting a fight at such an iconic venue despite potential seating challenges. The upcoming Paramount deal will also see UFC fights streamed exclusively on Paramount’s platform, expanding the sport's reach while continuing to host some pay-per-view events. White emphasized the affordability of the new deal and noted that fighter pay has consistently increased with each new contract, dismissing concerns about the need for collective bargaining. The White House fight symbolizes a monumental moment for UFC and American sports, merging patriotic celebration with the growing popularity of mixed martial arts.