Donald Trump news: US President considers hosting UFC fight on White House lawn for America’s 250th birthday

US President Donald Trump has revealed he is considering hosting a UFC fight on the White House grounds, potentially drawing a crowd of up to 25,000, as part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

“We have a lot of land there,” Mr Trump said on Thursday.

A longtime UFC fan and close friend of the sport’s league president Dana White, Mr Trump has attended several major mixed martial arts events in recent months.

He shared the idea during a speech in Iowa, where he was launching a year-long series of events leading up to America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

“So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honour of America 250. And I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight,” Mr Trump said.

“Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there,” he added, suggesting the event could feature “a full fight” with 20,000 to 25,000 attendees watching on.

A White House spokesperson said there were no details to add beyond the President’s announcement.

Mr Trump received enthusiastic receptions at recent UFC events, including one appearance immediately after his 2024 reelection and another last month with Dana White for two championship bouts.

As well as a possible UFC fight, Mr Trump is planning a culminating festival on the National Mall and a national athletic competition for high school athletes as part of the America 250 celebrations.