UFC fights at White House: Trump announces date
Photo: Donald Trump, President of the United States (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump announced that the previously announced UFC fights at the White House will take place on his birthday, according to Reuters.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that a previously announced Ultimate Fighting Championship event at the White House will take place on June 14 next year, which will be the president's 80th birthday.
He announced during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the US Navy.
In July, Trump had already announced that a UFC event would be held at the White House in 2026, but did not specify the exact date.
According to Reuters, Trump considers UFC president Dana White a close friend and views fans of the sport as part of his political base, though their connection dates back long before his presidency. In the 2000s, Trump’s Taj Mahal hotel in Atlantic City was one of the few venues in the United States willing to host UFC tournaments.
Earlier this week, White told SPJ that UFC will spend $700,000 to replace the grass on the White House lawn after the event.
The agency noted that Trump has regularly attended UFC fights since his presidency, most recently appearing at an event in New Jersey in June.
Big return to UFC
About a week ago, it was reported that controversial Irish fighter Conor McGregor has officially resumed training for his return to the octagon.
After a three-year hiatus due to injury, he is preparing for a fight that will be part of a historic UFC tournament in the United States, the very event set to take place on the White House lawn in Washington.
