Donald Trump confirms UFC fights at White House next year

U.S. President Donald Trump in Quantico, Virginia on Sept. 30, 2025. Photo by AFP

Trump made the announcement during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk on Sunday, where he was commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy, Reuters reported.

The UFC event had been revealed in July, but the exact date was not disclosed.

The relationship between Trump and UFC President Dana White goes way back to 2000, when the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City became one of the few venues willing to host UFC events. White, a close friend of the president, has long been a supporter of Trump, who considered UFC fans an important part of his political base.

In an interview with the Sports Business Journal this week, White said that the UFC will spend US$700,000 to replace the South Lawn grass at the White House following the event.

Trump, who has regularly attended UFC events since becoming president, recently watched a fight in New Jersey in June. The upcoming White House event will mark a major milestone, as it coincides with the president’s 80th birthday and will be another chapter in his long-standing connection with the sport.