Dana White gives major update on proposed UFC fight at the White House
The concept includes hosting of more than 20,000 spectators on the iconic White House lawn - a never-before-seen spectacle combining mixed martial arts with a historic patriotic backdrop. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times. File)
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Hours after Paramount and UFC announced a billion-dollar broadcasting rights deal, UFC CEO Dana White admitted he had not yet spoken to his longtime friend, President Donald Trump, about the promotion's new streaming platform. White didn't seem concerned, as he already has plans to travel to Washington on August 28 for a meeting with Trump and his daughter, Ivanka.The meeting's agenda will likely focus on finalising plans for a proposed Fourth of July UFC fight card set to take place next year on the White House grounds.Trump, who floated the idea last month, envisions the event as part of the celebrations marking the United States' 250th anniversary of independence. The concept includes hosting of more than 20,000 spectators on the iconic lawn - a never-before-seen spectacle combining mixed martial arts with a historic patriotic backdrop.If realised, it would be the first UFC event held at the White House, blending sports, politics, and national celebration in unprecedented fashion."It's absolutely going to happen," White said while talking to The Associated Press. "Think about that, the 250th birthday of the United States of America, the UFC will be on the White House south lawn live on CBS."White, who guided UFC through its $4 billion sale in 2016 and lucrative broadcast deals with Fox and ESPN, has now secured the company's most lucrative agreement yet - a seven-year partnership with Paramount beginning in 2026. The deal, worth an average of $1.1 billion annually, will see all UFC cards streamed on Paramount+, with select numbered events also on CBS.The $1.1 billion annual rights fee represents a major leap from the roughly $550 million ESPN currently pays. For fans, the shift to Paramount+ - priced between $7.99 and $12.99 per month - means simpler access to all UFC content without traditional pay-per-view fees.UFC matchmakers are already working on a stacked debut card for Paramount, though White said it's too soon to name a main event for the proposed White House fight night. "This is a 1-of-1 event," he said.
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