A historic proposal for a UFC fight card to be held on the grounds of the White House is officially moving forward, following President Donald Trump's initial suggestion. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) confirmed to NBC News that plans are underway to host such an event next year, aligning it with the government's America250 celebration, which commemorates the United States' 250th birthday.

UFC CEO Dana White expressed his enthusiasm for the unique spectacle on Instagram, stating, "This will be epic!!!" White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment on X, reportedly confirming Trump's serious intent for the event. President Trump envisioned a grand scale for the fight, suggesting a venue capable of accommodating between 20,000 and 25,000 fans on the extensive White House grounds. He emphasized Dana White's role in organizing the event, praising him as "great, one of a kind." Trump articulated his vision for the event as a significant part of the America250 celebration, alongside professional and amateur sporting events, highlighting the UFC fight as a "big deal."

Among the mixed martial arts fighters who volunteered to participate, Conor McGregor, who last competed in the UFC in 2021, promptly responded with eagerness, stating, "I would be honoured! Count me in!" McGregor, who will turn 37 this month, had previously visited Trump at the White House in March, despite recent legal issues where he was found liable for rape, leading to the termination of several business relationships. If realized, this event would mark the first professional sporting event ever hosted at the White House, although numerous recreational activities have taken place there historically.

This unprecedented event underscores the decades-long relationship between Dana White and Donald Trump. Trump played a crucial role in the UFC's early history, hosting multiple events during a challenging period for the promotion. The former president is also a frequent and well-received attendee at major UFC events, often met with a warm reception from the sport's predominantly right-leaning fanbase. Furthermore, White has consistently shown his support for Trump, including introducing him at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Their private discussions have also come to light previously, such as when Trump reportedly proposed a UFC-style league exclusively for migrants to White.