Trump reschedules UFC fight at White House for his 80th birthday
Photo: X
President Donald Trump has announced that a much-publicized UFC fight planned for the White House will now take place on June 14, 2026 — coinciding with his 80th birthday. The event, previously slated for July 4, will now be held on the South Lawn of the White House, marking what could be an unprecedented fusion of politics and combat sports.
Speaking to U.S. Navy personnel at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, Trump confirmed the new date but did not mention that it coincides with his milestone birthday. “On June 14 next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House – right at the White House, on the grounds of the White House,” he said during his address.
Donald Trump announced UFC White House will now take place on his 80th birthday 👀pic.twitter.com/97miwB9QWW
Originally, UFC President Dana White had announced in August that the event would take place on Independence Day, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding. Now, the date shift aligns the spectacle with Trump’s personal celebration, which in 2025 was marked by a military parade.
Trump, a longtime supporter of mixed martial arts, has frequently appeared at high-profile UFC events. His presence often draws major attention from fans, particularly among the young male demographic — a group that proved pivotal in the 2024 presidential election. Most recently, he attended UFC 316 in New Jersey on June 7, where he received a warm reception from the crowd.
In a press conference shared on UFC’s official YouTube channel, Dana White promised that the fight card assembled for the White House event would be “the greatest fight card ever assembled in the history of definitely this company.”
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the leading organization in the world of mixed martial arts, combining styles such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing in its signature “Octagon” cage. Despite its violent nature and criticism from medical professionals over long-term brain injury risks, the sport continues to grow in mainstream popularity.
Bringing a UFC event to the White House grounds would mark a historical first and further blur the lines between politics, entertainment, and sport.