It is actually happening.
Last week, President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell that there will be an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event taking place at the White House next year to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Naturally, every fighter jumped at the chance to compete on such a historic card.
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that planning is underway to bring the event to fruition.
“No, [Trump didn’t tell me he was going to announce it],” White told the Full Send podcast. “My team had already walked the White House, and we’ve done all the logistics. We’re putting together a layout right now, and we’re going to pitch it to him in the next week or two. Me, Craig Borsari—my head of production—and Ivanka [Trump] are going to pitch it to him.”
White revealed that one reason the U.S. President wants to hold the event at the White House is to allow the American people to enjoy the venue and take pride in its enduring legacy.
“Why would he say no to that?” White said.
However, hosting a UFC event at the White House presents significant challenges. White doubts fans will be admitted due to stringent security measures.
“First of all, I don’t know how many people will get in, not to mention that the Secret Service won’t let many people attend. Everyone will need background checks,” White said. “Whoever gets to be there live will have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. While we’re filming, one side of the backdrop will be the White House and the other will be the Washington Monument… I don’t think we’re going to sell tickets; it will all be comp tickets.”
White is confident the UFC White House event will be unparalleled, though he’s made similar claims before
“Literally everybody wants to fight on this card. Everybody,” White said. “Here’s the thing: we’re still a year away, and the UFC landscape will change over the next year, so we’ll see where we’re at. But we will absolutely, positively put on the baddest card of all time.”
Oh, and White’s dream main event? Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall—with the possibility of Conor McGregor fighting on the card too.
This story originally appeared on MMA Mania
