Trump, UFC Plan 2026 White House Fight; McGregor Eyes Comeback

U.S. President Donald Trump said this week that the White House lawn will stage a live UFC card on 4 July 2026 as part of celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Speaking at a rally in Iowa, Trump told supporters, “We’re going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House,” adding that the event could seat 20,000-25,000 spectators and feature a world-title bout.

An Ultimate Fighting Championship spokesperson later confirmed to NBC News that the promotion is working with the administration on the proposal, with further details to be announced. UFC chief executive Dana White, a long-time Trump ally, amplified the president’s remarks on social media, calling the plan “epic.”

Former two-division champion Conor McGregor, who has not competed since breaking his leg in July 2021, quickly declared “Count me in” and shared private messages showing White’s enthusiastic response. McGregor’s preferred opponent, lightweight contender Michael Chandler, indicated he would accept the matchup. The 36-year-old Irish fighter is appealing a Dublin civil verdict that found him liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in 2018 and ordered him to pay more than €248,000 in damages, but he remains under contract with the UFC.