Tickle your pickle?
Last week, President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) would stage a mixed martial arts (MMA) event at the White House in 2026 to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
Naturally, every fighter (literally) jumped at the chance to compete on such a historic card.
UFC CEO, Dana White, confirmed that planning is underway to bring the event to fruition.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
“No, [Trump didn’t tell me he was going to announce it],” White told Full Send podcast. “My team had already walked the White House, and we’ve done all the logistics. We’re putting together a layout right now, and we’re going to pitch it to him in the next week or two.
“Me, Craig Borsari — my head of production — and Ivanka [Trump] are going to pitch it to him,” White added.
White revealed that one reason Trump wants to hold the event at the White House is to allow the American people to enjoy the venue and take pride in its enduring legacy.
“Why would he say no to that?” White said.
However, hosting a UFC event at the White House presents significant challenges. For example, White doubts fans will be admitted because of stringent security measures.
“First of all, I don’t know how many people will get in, not to mention that the Secret Service won’t let many people attend,” White revealed. “Everyone will need background checks — whoever gets to be there live will have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we’re filming, one side of the backdrop will be the White House and the other will be the Washington Monument,” White continued. “I don’t think we’re going to sell tickets — it will all be comp tickets.”
White is confident UFC’s White House event will be unparalleled, though he’s made similar claims before.
“Literally everybody wants to fight on this card — everybody!” White barked. “Here’s the thing: we’re still a year away, and the UFC landscape will change over the next year, so we’ll see where we’re at.
“But, we will absolutely, positively put on the baddest card of all time,” White concluded.
Oh, and White’s dream main event? Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall, with the possibility of Conor McGregor fighting on the card, too.
Background checks, though …
To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.