By James Dampney
Copyright news
Former MMA star Conor McGregor – who hasn’t fought since 2021 and will be almost 38 at the time – has been named to headline the event, which will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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UFC boss Dana White released the rendered images of the June 2026 event during an interview with Fox News, describing it as a “spectacle for the ages”.
US President Donald Trump has given the green light to host the fight night on the South Lawn and White says it will have the “greatest card of all time”.
The images show temporary stadium seating to host 5,000 fans surrounding an Octagon underneath a huge lighting structure, with the White House as a backdrop.
A massive laser and fireworks show is being planned for the occasion.
The weigh-ins are expected to take place in front of the Lincoln Memorial, while combatants may use the White House itself to warm-up before their fights.
A secondary stage area nearby will host up to 85,000 UFC fans for a viewing party at Ellipse Park.
White said: “We’re literally going to take over Washington DC that week. We’re going to do the weigh-ins there, fan event there.”
McGregor, who was once the UFC’s biggest name, is scheduled to finally fight long-time foe Michael Chandler.
The duo was scheduled to fight at UFC 303 last June, but the bout was cancelled two weeks before the event after McGregor broke his toe sparring.
Speaking to Fox&Friends, the Irishman seemingly confirmed the fight is back on and in place for the White House event.
“The Mac is excited to get back for sure,” he said. “I’m on (the White House card). This is me.
“(I’m fighting) Michael Chandler. Michael Chandler and myself have done the show The Ultimate Fighter, we’ve had a good back and forth. He’s a good, tough guy.”
Trump spokesman Steven Cheung said: “This will be one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history.
“President Trump hosting it at the White House is a testament to his vision to celebrate America’s monumental 250th anniversary.”
Yet some of those commenting on the proposal took a very different tone.
Prominent Trump critic account @JoJoFromJerz declared to her one million followers: “We are the laughing stock of the entire world.”
Digital creator Dede Watson tweeted: “How disgusting to see our White House turned into an event centre. This administration is a 24/7 clown show.”
X account Joe Citizen said: “UFC on the White House lawn. Not the Onion. It’s real and real embarrassing. Nothing says classy like the UFC at the White House.”
Digital publication The Tennessee Holler offered: “Fox shows what it will look like when Trump brings in the UFC to desecrate the White House lawn and turn it into one of his failed casinos.”
Jonas Afrend quipped: “When will the White House host the 1st inaugural Hunger Games?”
Jamie Bonkiewicz added: “This is the cringiest collapse of a nation in real time.”
Of course there were some very excited responses to the news.
Florida news director Eric Daugherty tweeted: “Stunning new images show the UFC Octagon coming to the White House South Lawn for America’s 250th anniversary, and the weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial. This looks amazing.
Mark Robert wrote: “Let’s go! The White House is WE THE PEOPLE’S house. We darn well deserve to enjoy it. President Trump is the man for this!”
Another wrote: “This is going to be a spectacle for the ages. A defining moment.”
A fourth declared: “This will literally be bigger than any sports event ever, including the Super Bowl, World Cup and UFC Noche sphere. Can’t wait.”
More fights for the event are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.
– with The Sun
