UFC White House Event Set for Six to Seven Fights, Disputing Trump's Prediction
The UFC is orchestrating an unprecedented fight card at the White House, currently scheduled for 14 June, but the scale of the event appears to be more modest than previously claimed by former US President Donald Trump. According to recent statements from UFC executives, the card is expected to feature approximately six to seven fights, contradicting Trump's assertion of "eight or nine championship" bouts.
Trump's Optimistic Forecast Versus Executive Insights
In December, Donald Trump enthusiastically predicted that the UFC would host eight or nine championship fights on the White House lawn, describing them as the biggest and most legendary bouts ever. He suggested that UFC president Dana White was deliberately holding back fights for six months to prepare for this historic event, timed to celebrate Trump's 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States.
However, Ari Emanuel, CEO of TKO, the UFC's ownership group, provided a more tempered outlook during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. Emanuel clarified that Dana White is actively working on the card, but the current plan involves only six to seven fights. He emphasized that while the exact lineup remains undisclosed, the event will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, anticipating widespread viewership.
Attendance and Security Details Emerge
Trump had also projected a massive attendance, estimating 5,000 to 6,000 seats in front of the White House and an additional 100,000 people watching on large screens in the back. In contrast, Emanuel indicated that attendance at the White House itself would likely be limited to 3,000-4,000 individuals, with other designated areas set up for viewing the fights.
Security measures for the event are under strict consideration, with UFC president Dana White hinting at the presence of snipers to ensure safety. The Octagon is planned for construction on the South Lawn, and TKO president Mark Shapiro confirmed that there will be no ticket sales, making it an exclusive, invitation-only affair.
Current UFC Title Landscape and Fighter Interest
The timing of the White House event coincides with a relatively quiet period for UFC title defenses. Currently, no regular UFC champions are scheduled to defend their titles in upcoming events. The only title bouts this year have seen Alexander Volkanovski retain his featherweight belt against Diego Lopes and Justin Gaethje win the interim lightweight strap against Paddy Pimblett. A planned bantamweight title defense between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes in January was cancelled due to Harrison's injury.
Several high-profile former champions, including Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, have expressed interest in participating in the White House card. However, Dana White has been cautious about their involvement, citing concerns over reliability. Jones, who retired last summer, has a history of legal troubles and failed drug tests, while McGregor has faced his own legal issues since his last fight five years ago, potentially complicating their inclusion.
As preparations continue, the UFC's White House event promises to be a unique spectacle in combat sports history, blending athletic competition with political celebration, albeit on a slightly smaller scale than initially touted.
