Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White has spoken openly about his long-standing friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying Trump played a key role in bringing mainstream attention to the sport.
White said he speaks with Trump about once a month and keeps the conversations away from politics. According to him, their discussions focus almost entirely on fights and the sport itself.
He said Trump supported the UFC when few others were willing to. White recalled that Trump hosted UFC events at the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City in 2001, when mixed martial arts was still struggling for public acceptance. He described that backing as a turning point for the organisation.
Dana White is such an embarrassment & a liar. Good to see he’s memorized his talking point when people rightfully criticize the UFC for being too political
They were literally have Trump campaign rallies at UFC events pic.twitter.com/kXR80rDfOd
— MMA Joey (@MMAJOEYC) January 21, 2026White’s comments come as the White House prepares to host a series of UFC bouts on June 14, 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The event will also coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday.
Trump’s interest in sports has drawn attention in recent weeks. Reports suggest he requested changes to the G7 summit schedule to avoid clashes with the UFC event, highlighting the priority he places on the occasion.
When asked what connects his two spheres of influence—mixed martial arts and President Trump’s MAGA base—Ultimate Fighting Championship mogul Dana White has a simple answer: “Testosterone” https://t.co/zBpDYAOllP
— WSJ Business News (@WSJbusiness) January 23, 2026White said his main responsibility is to deliver top-level matchups, adding that the venue’s scale places even greater emphasis on execution. He said producing quality fights remains his sole focus.
Plans call for a temporary arena with seating for 1,000 spectators to be constructed on the White House lawn. Trump has described the championship bouts planned for the venue as historic and memorable. The UFC has not yet released details about the fighters or the fight card. Officials say further announcements will follow closer to the event date.
