US President Donald Trump reveals the rescheduled date for the ‘major UFC showdown’ on the White House lawn, now set for June 14.
Published On 6 Oct 2025
President Donald Trump has confirmed that a highly anticipated Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event will be hosted on the grounds of the White House on June 14, coinciding with his 80th birthday. This announcement updates the earlier plan to hold the fight on July 4, the United States’ Independence Day.
Speaking to a gathering of naval personnel at the expansive Norfolk naval base in Virginia, Trump stated, “Next year on June 14, we will witness a major UFC fight right here on the White House lawn.”
Interestingly, Trump did not highlight that this date marks his milestone 80th birthday. Last year, on his 79th birthday, he organized a military parade celebrating the US Army’s founding.
Earlier this year in August, UFC President Dana White had indicated that the event was scheduled for July 4, 2026, aligning with the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
Trump’s long-standing enthusiasm for UFC is well-known; he recently attended UFC 316 in New Jersey on June 7, where fighters engage in intense combat involving striking and grappling techniques aimed at submission or knockout.
Hosting such a fierce combat sport at the heart of American political power is unprecedented and marks a significant moment in UFC history.
During a press briefing streamed on UFC’s official YouTube channel, Dana White expressed excitement about the upcoming event, promising, “Early next year, we’ll begin assembling the White House fight card, which I can assure you will be the most spectacular lineup ever seen in this organization’s history.”
UFC stands as the premier and most lucrative entity in the rapidly growing mixed martial arts (MMA) arena, which combines disciplines such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, boxing, and wrestling.
Matches occur inside an eight-sided cage known as the “Octagon,” enclosed by a chain-link fence to ensure fighter safety and containment.
With limited exceptions like eye-gouging, competitors of all genders are permitted to use a wide array of combat techniques to overpower their opponents.
The sport’s appeal among young male voters-a crucial demographic in the 2024 US elections-alongside Trump’s enduring connection to UFC, has made him a familiar figure at many high-profile events, where he receives enthusiastic receptions.
Despite its growing acceptance, MMA remains controversial due to its violent nature and the risk of serious injuries, including potential brain trauma from repeated head strikes, a concern frequently voiced by medical professionals.
