US President Donald Trump has confirmed that a previously proposed Ultimate Fighting Championship event will be held at the White House on June 14 next year, coinciding with his 80th birthday.
The announcement was made during the President’s address at Naval Station Norfolk, where he was commemorating the US Navy’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
President Trump had initially disclosed plans for a White House UFC event back in July, though no specific date had been provided at that time.
The President maintains a close friendship with UFC President Dana White and recognizes the sport’s enthusiasts as a significant component of his political constituency. Their association predates Trump’s presidency by many years.
This week, White confirmed to the Sports Business Journal that the UFC will allocate $700,000 to replace the South Lawn grass following the event.
President Trump has consistently attended UFC events since taking office, with his most recent appearance at a New Jersey fight in June.
The Trump-White relationship dates to 2000, when the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City stood among the limited number of American venues willing to host UFC events during that period.
TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent organization, has not yet provided commentary on the announcement.
