In a revealing new interview, UFC president Dana White has declared his steadfast loyalty to President Donald Trump, stating he "would do anything" for the commander-in-chief. The 56-year-old combat sports impresario disclosed that he maintains regular contact with Trump, speaking to him approximately once a month.
Beyond Politics: A Bond Forged in Business
White emphasised to The Wall Street Journal that their conversations typically steer clear of political discourse. "I don't talk politics with him," White clarified. "And the only time I talk business with him is fights." This professional relationship has deep roots, with White crediting Trump for helping to establish UFC's early credibility by hosting bouts at his Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, back in 2001.
The Testosterone Connection
Perhaps most intriguingly, White suggested a common thread linking UFC enthusiasts and Trump's MAGA political base: testosterone. He posited that this hormonal factor underpins the attraction to both the aggressive spectacle of mixed martial arts and Trump's combative political style.
A tour of White's Las Vegas office provided further insight into his affiliations. The space features six framed photographs documenting a White House visit, a painting memorialising conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and a pair of handguns gifted to him by musician Kid Rock.
The Monumental White House Event
Attention is now turning to an unprecedented UFC event scheduled for June 14th on the South Lawn of the White House. This spectacle, timed to coincide with celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding, also falls on President Trump's 80th birthday. The event's significance is underscored by its impact on international diplomacy, having already forced France to reschedule its upcoming G7 summit.
Logistical Marvels and Presidential Promises
The showcase will require substantial construction, including both a fighting ring and an arena designed to seat approximately 1,000 spectators on the naturally sloping presidential lawn. Large screens will be erected to allow many more people to watch from the nearby Ellipse. President Trump himself offered a characteristically enthusiastic update at the Kennedy Center Honors in December, promising "one of the biggest fights they've ever had."
"They're building an arena, the great Dana White's building an arena," Trump proclaimed. "And they're gonna have eight or nine championship fights, the biggest fights they've ever had. Every one's a championship fight, and everyone's a legendary type of fighter."
Further Details and Participant Speculation
Additional plans include holding a weigh-in for participants in front of the Lincoln Memorial. White has committed his company to paying $700,000 to restore the lawn once the event concludes. While numerous fighters have expressed interest, including former champions Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, White has been cautious about their involvement, particularly expressing reservations about trusting Jones.
Scepticism and Practical Concerns
Not everyone shares the enthusiasm for this unprecedented sporting-political crossover. Popular podcaster and UFC announcer Joe Rogan has voiced scepticism, warning that the spectacle could become a disaster. He specifically highlighted Washington D.C.'s muggy summer weather as a potential complicating factor that could affect both participants and spectators.
When pressed about the White House event specifically, White remained focused on his core mission: "My focus is to find the best up-and-coming talent in the world, do the best matchmaking to put on the best fights possible, give people the best live event in-house and on TV. And as long as I don't mess those up, it's tough to blow it."
