Earlier this summer, Trump said he wanted to stage a UFC match on the White House grounds to celebrate 250 years of American independence.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Sunday revealed for the first time that a planned UFC match at the White House won’t occur around the Fourth of July. Instead, it’ll happen on his birthday.
Trump made the announcement during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk to mark the upcoming 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy.
Earlier this summer, Trump said he wanted to stage a UFC match on the White House grounds with upwards of 20,000 spectators to celebrate 250 years of American independence. Trump announced that plan in Iowa during the kickoff for a year’s worth of festivities to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
Last month, reports suggested the White House fight wouldn’t happen on July 4th and instead would be in June 2026. An official date hadn’t been shared, until Trump’s remarks on Sunday.
“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,” Trump shared.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 is also notable because it’s Trump’s 80th birthday.
Earlier this year, on his 79th birthday, a military parade barreled down Constitution Avenue after it was quickly added to the Army’s long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. That event played out as spirited “No Kings” protests unfolded in cities and towns across the country.
UFC CEO Dana White recently told Sports Business Journal that the company will be spending $700,000 to replace grass that will be damaged on the South Law, where the fight will be staged.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.