Ever since Dana White and Donald Trump started talking about putting an Octagon on the South Lawn, the MMA world has been buzzing like a hive of angry bees. It sounds like a fever dream, right? A cage in the backyard of the most famous house on the planet. But it’s actually happening. People have been Googling the UFC White House card date for months, and while there’s been some back-and-forth, the calendar is finally looking solid.
The Official UFC White House Card Date Is Set
The date you need to circle in red is June 14, 2026.
Why that specific Sunday? Well, it’s not just a random weekend. It’s actually a triple threat of significance. First, it’s Flag Day in the United States. Second, it’s the centerpiece for the country's massive 250th-anniversary celebrations—the Sestercentennial. Finally, it’s Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Originally, there was a lot of chatter about doing this on July 4th. That made sense for about five minutes until the logistics hit the fan. Trump’s schedule for Independence Day is reportedly a nightmare of travel across three different states, and the Secret Service basically said "no way" to the security logistics of a fight card on the actual 4th. So, June 14 it is.
What the Event Actually Looks Like
This isn't going to be your average Pay-Per-View at the T-Mobile Arena. It’s a "one-of-one" experience, according to Dana. Don't expect to buy tickets on Ticketmaster for this one. There aren't any.
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Basically, the seating is going to be incredibly limited. While Trump initially threw out numbers like 25,000 people, Dana White has walked that back significantly. Security is the bottleneck. We're looking at a crowd of maybe 5,000 to 6,000 people max on the South Lawn. Most of those will be "comp" tickets—dignitaries, military personnel, and likely some very lucky VIPs.
If you aren't one of the lucky few, you’ll probably be watching from a park nearby. The UFC is planning to set up massive screens at a neighboring park that can hold up to 85,000 people. It’ll be like a massive festival where you can watch the cage with the Washington Monument on one side and the White House on the other.
The weigh-ins are expected to be just as dramatic. They aren't doing them in a hotel ballroom. The plan is to hold the ceremonial weigh-ins right on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Can you imagine the face-offs with Abe Lincoln looking down? It’s going to be wild.
The Massive Logistics (and the $700,000 Grass)
The UFC is famous for its production value, but this is a whole different level of "spectacle on steroids." To make the cameras work, they’re building a massive vaulting arch over the Octagon. It’s supposed to look like the St. Louis Arch but smaller, designed specifically so it doesn't block the view of the White House for the people sitting behind it.
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And then there's the lawn. Dana White famously hates outdoor events. He hates the wind, he hates the rain, and he really hates what a crowd does to the ground. He's already confirmed that the UFC is on the hook for a $700,000 bill just to replace the grass on the South Lawn after the fights are over.
Broadcast Shuffles
The way you watch this is also changing. 2026 marks the start of the UFC’s new partnership with Paramount. The White House card is expected to be a major pillar of that deal.
- Main Card: Likely streaming on Paramount+.
- Prelims: Some will probably air on CBS to capture that massive network audience.
Who Is Actually Fighting?
This is where the rumors are flying faster than a Max Holloway flurry. Dana White is staying pretty tight-lipped, but we know a few things for sure.
First, the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight? Dana officially put a bullet in that one recently. He told Complex News that the matchup was "a couple of years ago" and they’ve moved on. Chandler has been campaigning for it for years, but the UFC seems to have other plans for the UFC White House card date.
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Conor is still stoking the fire, though. He’s been all over social media saying he’s "in" and telling Dana to "pick who ya want." There’s a lot of talk about a McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal "BMF" style clash. Masvidal has been teasing "big news" and specifically mentioned he wants to fight on the South Lawn.
Other names being floated:
- Jon Jones: He’s hinted at a comeback for this specifically. He’s said it’s about the "opportunity to represent America at the White House." A fight against Tom Aspinall here would be the ultimate legacy move.
- The BMF Title: It’s very likely the BMF belt will be on the line given the "American" theme of the event.
Why This Matters for the Sport
Honestly, it’s a massive moment for MMA. Think about where the UFC was 25 years ago—banned from most states and called "human cockfighting." Now, it’s the headline act for the nation’s 250th birthday.
It’s also creating some weird waves internationally. France actually had to move the G7 summit. No joke. The summit was originally set for June 14–16, but they moved it by a day to avoid a scheduling conflict with the White House card. When world leaders are moving meetings because of a cage fight, you know the sport has reached a different level of influence.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're planning to be in D.C. for the UFC White House card date, you need to move fast.
- Book Travel Now: Hotels in D.C. for June 2026 are already being scooped up because of the 250th-anniversary celebrations. Don't wait.
- Paramount+ Subscription: Ensure you’re ready for the new broadcast era. The UFC’s $7.7 billion deal means the old ESPN+ days are over.
- Watch the "Fan Zone" Announcements: Since you probably won't get a ticket to the lawn, keep an eye on the UFC's official "Register Your Interest" pages for the public viewing party at the nearby park.
- Monitor the Rankings: The UFC usually starts finalizing these "super-cards" about 4-6 months out. Pay close attention to the Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions this winter.
This event is going to be a logistical nightmare for the Secret Service and a dream for fight fans. Whether you love the politics or hate them, you can't deny that a championship fight on the lawn of the White House is going to be one of the most iconic images in the history of combat sports.