Payam Javan: President Donald Trump announced that a special Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event will be held on June 14, 2026, at the White House as part of the United States’ 250th anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence. Speaking to service members at the Norfolk naval base in Virginia during the Navy’s own 250th anniversary event, Trump emphasized the historic significance of the upcoming year, noting that the fight will take place on his 80th birthday.

The president’s announcement follows earlier remarks made in April and confirmed details in September, stating that the UFC event will be hosted on the South Lawn of the White House. UFC President Dana White, a long-time ally of Trump and frequent speaker at his campaign events, said the organization will begin assembling what he described as “the greatest fight card ever” in early 2026. The White House event is part of a broader year-long schedule of festivities commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial, which will include sporting competitions and youth athletic programs across all 50 states.

Trump, often referred to in mixed martial arts circles as the “combatant in chief,” has maintained a close association with the UFC, frequently attending fights throughout his presidency. His continued presence at events—most recently at Miami’s Kaseya Center in April 2025—underscores his personal enthusiasm for the sport and his administration’s effort to integrate it into national celebrations. The White House and TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company, have yet to issue formal comments regarding logistical details of the June event.