UFC CEO Dana White has provided a sneak peek of what to expect for the UFC White House event.
Next summer, the UFC is set to bring a one-off event to the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. What started as a proposal by president Donald Trump, the idea quickly gained steam as White and his team put together a plan. White recently pitched plans to Trump, and now we have a better understanding of what the event could look like as a part of the celebration for America’s 250th anniversary.
On FOX News Channel’s “Special Report with Bret Baier,” White revealed visual renderings, providing an early look at how the event could come together.
The UFC octagon is planned to be placed on the South Lawn, surrounded by seating for no more than 5,000 people. A big arch will cover the cage to support the lighting rigs. The setup will allow for camera angles to capture the White House centered in the background on one side, while the reverse angle will capture the Washington Monument as a backdrop. White said the plans are still a work in progress.
“It depends on how much the lawn can hold,” White told Baier. “You know, as far as weight, the octagon itself weighs 15,000 pounds. So we don’t know. We’re still working it out.”
In addition to the main set up, there will be a viewing area on the Ellipse, a large park area adjacent to the White House, where White claims up to 85,000 people will be able to view the fights on massive screens.
“We’re going to have a stage where music – you know, we’ll have bands playing all day,” White said. “And then people will be able to bring blankets and, you know, lay around and watch the fights. We’ll have screens up everywhere for everybody. We’re literally going to take over Washington, D.C., that week.”
The Washington takeover includes ceremonial weigh-ins, which are planned to take place at the Lincoln Memorial. Beyond that, White says there will be a fan expo to further enhance the fight week experience.
“I love one-of-one type events like we did at the Sphere last year for UFC Noche,” White said. “This is a one-of-one incredible opportunity not only for the fans, for the sport, but for the fighters. For the fighters to be able to be a part of something like this, it’s incredible. And then for the fans, I mean, to come to Washington, D.C., all week and go to these historic places and be able to, you know, enjoy UFC and, you know, all the history that D.C. has, it’s a one-of-one experience.
“… It’s going to be awesome. And it’s one of those events, no matter what side you’re on, come hang in Washington, D.C., for the week. Take your family around. Take in all the history. And then, whether you get into the fight or you go over to the Ellipse, it’s going to be a special night.
With the event being so far away, there are no names confirmed for the event. However, White has stated he wants to make it the “best card that we’ve ever built.” There has been no shortage of marquee names campaigning to compete at the event, including Conor McGregor, who has not fought since 2021.
“Conor and I have been talking consistently,” White said. “He wants this fight bad. When you get to a level that Conor is at, you’ve got to find things in life that motivate you. The White House card has definitely motivated Conor McGregor.”
