Published on: September 20, 2025, 03:30h.
Updated on: September 20, 2025, 03:30h.
- Exclusive UFC event scheduled for the White House lawn next summer
- Event rescheduled for June due to logistical challenges
- McGregor reaffirms interest in participating in the event
Initial details are emerging for the UFC event at the White House next summer, which is set to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary.
5,000-Seat Arena
President Donald Trump, a passionate UFC enthusiast, has attended numerous live matches and inquired with UFC CEO Dana White in July about orchestrating a premier event on the White House lawn.
White recently appeared on Fox News to share new visual concepts for the event, showcasing the Octagon on the lawn with the White House backdrop, outfitted with nearly 5,000 seats.
“I envision a large arch with a lighting grid because I want the White House visible in the background, and as the fight progresses, you’ll catch sight of the Washington Monument,” said White.
Potential McGregor vs. Chandler Main Event?
A viewing party will also take place in a nearby park, equipped with multiple large screens and capable of accommodating 85,000 spectators, providing a stage with music, so attendees can relax on blankets and enjoy the fights.
“It’s going to dominate Washington, DC,” White exclaimed. “This presents a tremendous opportunity for not only fans and fighters but for the sport itself.”
White highlighted that this UFC event aligns with Trump’s initiative to encourage more visitors to the White House.
Weigh-In at Lincoln Memorial
UFC stars like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, who had just announced his retirement when Trump made the event announcement last July, are both keen on fighting at this event.
While McGregor’s participation remains uncertain, he has expressed enthusiasm, raising questions about whether it’s a marketing strategy to maintain his visibility to promote whiskey or support potential political aspirations back home in Ireland.
“I’m all in,” he told Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade this week. “Michael Chandler and I have done the Ultimate Fighter show together. We have a fun rivalry, he’s a solid competitor. I’m definitely excited to return.”
White: McGregor Is “Driven”
Chandler later joined Fox host Laura Ingraham’s show, stating: “This will be a unique experience, fighting at the White House, especially on America’s birthday. Expect the unexpected when you have Dana White and Donald Trump at the helm; they know how to promote an event.”
“Conor and I share a history. I am the opponent he desires, and I am eager to face him. A bout between us could become an iconic main event at the UFC White House event, with all the buildup surrounding our nation’s 250 years of history.”
Rescheduled to June
Sources indicate that the event was initially planned for July 4 but was postponed to June due to logistical complications.
The weigh-ins will take place at the Lincoln Memorial.
White shared that he has been in frequent contact with McGregor and did not dismiss the chance of McGregor competing at the event.
“We’re preparing to create the most extraordinary fight card for the White House fight,” he mentioned. “Conor and I have been consistently discussing this. He is very eager for this fight. When you reach Conor’s level, you must find motivations in life, and the White House event has truly inspired him.”
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since suffering a leg injury during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His comeback was initially slated for a matchup against Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 but had to be canceled due to a toe injury. McGregor has faced setbacks, losing three of his last four UFC bouts.