Trump to host UFC fight night at white house on his 80th birthday

President confirms June 14, 2026, event with UFC chief Dana White under 250th Navy anniversary celebrations.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event that was scheduled at the White House in the past will be staged on June 14, 2026, his 80th birthday.

Speaking during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk to commemorate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Navy, Trump revealed the date for what is expected to be one of the most unconventional events ever held at the White House.

“I’ve got something special planned for my 80th,” Trump reportedly told the audience, referring to the mixed martial arts showcase that will be staged on the South Lawn.

The president initially stated in July that plans for a UFC event existed, but without giving a timeline. The announcement is the first time a sitting US president has hosted a professional combat sports event at the White House grounds.

Trump and UFC President Dana White have been friends for a long time dating back more than two decades. White, who has made numerous appearances at Trump’s political rallies, is one of the closest friends of the president in the sports world.

Their affiliation started in 2000, when the Trump Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City was among the only US venues that would host UFC events. The sport was still fighting for acceptance by the mainstream at the time and was prohibited in a number of states.

The friendship between the two men has since intensified, with Trump frequently visiting UFC events — most recently at one in New Jersey last month.

In an interview during the week with the Sports Business Journal, White indicated that the UFC intends to spend approximately $700,000 to restore the South Lawn grass after the event.

“This will be a historic night for sports and for the country,” White was reported to have said.

The White House has not provided information regarding the fight card or participants. Nonetheless, the event promises to attract a lot of interest from both sports enthusiasts and political analysts.

UFC parent company TKO Group Holdings declined to comment on the arrangements and finances involved in the upcoming event.

The news comes as Trump continues to mingle political theatrics with popular culture — a signature of his management style that gains power widely among portions of his electorate, especially working-class and young sports fans.