Not one dollar of American taxpayer money is going towards UFC’s White House event this June, according to UFC CEO Dana White, who also alleges that the venue — part celebration of American Independence, and part birthday celebration for Donald Trump — “Isn’t about politics.”
Seven fights conclude the Washington fight card, after the addition of Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit during UFC 327 last weekend. Ilia Topuria will defend his lightweight belt against Justin Gaethje in the main event, and Alex Pereira tries for a third belt in an interim heavyweight contest against Ciryl Gane in the co-main.
Not only has the card been slammed as weak by pundits, but it’s also brought renewed criticism of the UFC for its political alignment, given the current radical climate. Regardless of the fact, White insists ‘UFC 250’ is not about politics, but a celebration of the United States.
Dana White: UFC 250 is a gift to America
Speaking to Pat McAfee, White remarked, “Not one tax dollar will go into this. This is the UFC’s gift to the 250th birthday of America. . . . I don’t care if you’re far right, far left, [or] right down the middle. Wherever you sit politically, this isn’t about politics, this is about the United States. … If you love America, you’re gonna love this event.
“It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn, and the President will be there.”
White and the UFC have been fiercely loyal to Trump for decades, since the property mogul-turned-politician allowed the struggling promotion to host events in his casinos. Trump has attended countless events since, including last weekend at UFC 327, and some might credit the UFC with boosting his rise to a second presidency. White even spoke at Trump’s inauguration celebration.
“This is what happens when the machine comes after you,” White said of Trump winning the election in 2024. “What you’ve seen over the last several years, this is what it looks like. Couldn’t stop him, he keeps going forward, he doesn’t quit, he’s the most resilient, hard-working man I’ve ever met in my life, his family are incredible people.
“This is karma, ladies and gentlemen. He deserves this. They deserve it as a family.”
‘UFC Freedom 250’ “isn’t about politics…”
Who’s fighting at UFC White House?
Regardless of the political element, there’s still a fight card to enjoy. Seven fights occupy the card so far, subject to change:
- (c) Ilia Topuria vs. (ic) Justin Gaethje; lightweight title fight
- Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane; interim heavyweight title fight
- Sean O’Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi; bantamweight
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler; lightweight
- Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus; middleweight
- Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia; featherweight
- Derrick Lewis vs. Josh Hokit; heavyweight
More Fighters Weekly News
- Carlos Ulberg could be out until 2027 after UFC 327 injury, Doctor says
- Frazer Clarke shows promise despite Justis Huni defeat as new chapter begins in Manchester
- Prochazka vs. Ulberg stands out as one of MMA’s biggest f***-ups
- Tenshin Nasukawa dominates Juan Francisco Estrada; scores a ninth-round finish in Tokyo
Follow Fighters Weekly on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
