President Donald Trump announced that he plans to celebrate his 80th birthday with a UFC fight on the White House lawn. The event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, which also happens to be his birthday.
Trump first suggested the idea in July, saying a mixed martial arts event would mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. Over the weekend at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, he confirmed the date.
“And on June 14th next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House on the grounds of the White House,” Trump told the sailors. He did not mention that it is also his 80th birthday.
Trump: “On June 14 next year we’re gonna have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House, on the grounds of the White House.” pic.twitter.com/RJIOKjIhx5
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 5, 2025
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
This plan follows a familiar pattern. Last year, a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday. The $45 million event featured tanks and more than 6,000 soldiers. Trump called it a “tremendous success,” though reports suggest he was unhappy that it looked too festive and not intimidating enough.
Retired fighter Conor McGregor said he would take part in the White House fight. “Done deal, signed, delivered, it ain’t a negotiation,” McGregor told Sean Hannity. UFC President Dana White also spoke about the event.
“In February, we’ll start looking at building the White House card, which I will right now tell you will be the greatest fight card ever assembled in the history of, at least, definitely this company,” White said. He clarified, “Nothing is done yet, and no fights are being negotiated with the White House.”
Hosting a UFC fight on the White House lawn will be expensive. White said $700,000 may be needed to repair the South Lawn after the event.
Trump has a history of spending big on his personal projects at the White House, including gilding the Oval Office, paving the Rose Garden, and adding a $200 million ballroom.
He also created a “Presidential Walk of Fame” featuring photos of past presidents, apparently to make a statement about himself and his predecessors.
He has long used events like this to grab attention, dating back to when he hosted UFC fights at his own properties.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
