President Donald Trump recently delivered a major update on the UFC’s upcoming White House event. It will be a historic occasion, as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary. Trump has promised a record-setting and thrilling night of fights for fans.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that the official fight lineup won’t be booked until February. However, that hasn’t stopped fans and media from speculating about who could potentially headline the event. Fighters including Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Michael Chandler have publicly requested a spot on the card.
Speaking with reporters at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Gala, Trump revealed that several championship bouts are in the works. An arena will be built outside the White House and the card will feature some of promotion’s biggest stars.
“It’s a big deal. [The event is] going to be Jun. 14 next year, and they’re building an arena. The great Dana White is building an arena, and they’re going to have eight or nine championship fights, the biggest fights they’ve ever had,” Trump said. “Every one is a championship fight and every one is a legendary type of fight.”
He continued:
“[White’s] actually holding back fights right now for six months so he can do it for this 250 [celebration of America].”
Donald Trump Reveals Expected Capacity for the UFC’s White House Event
President Donald Trump also provided an update on the expected capacity for the UFC’s White House event in 2026. With Dana White having already shared the early renderings of how the arena will look, there has been some speculation about its capacity.
There are also plans to expand into a separate location that will accommodate more fans. Based on those plans, the historic event is expected to be the highest attended in UFC history.
“I think the arena is going to be 5,000 or 6,000 seats, right in front of the front door of the White House, and 100,000 people in the back, where they’re putting up eight or ten very big screens,” Trump told reporters at the Kennedy Center Honors Gala. “That’s going to be an exciting night. So many people are asking for tickets.”
White Confirms One of Trump’s Favorite UFC Fighters Could Be Featured
White recently confirmed that one of Trump’s favorite fighters could be competing at the UFC’s White House event. Before that, he had been reluctant to reveal potential matchups due to it being too early.
Now, White seems to have raised the stakes for Derrick Lewis. The former heavyweight title challenger is scheduled to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324 next month. Based on the timing, an impressive win could very well secure Lewis a spot on the card.
“Is the White House ready for Derrick Lewis? President Trump loves Derrick Lewis,” White said during his UFC 323 post-event press conference. “[Trump] hasn’t told me to do anything, but he will not stop talking about Derrick Lewis. So, it’s a big fight for Derrick coming up.”
The UFC CEO’s remarks are a strong indicator that Lewis is, at the very least, being considered.
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