UFC President Dana White is aiming to host a historic event at the White House next summer to celebrate America‘s 250th anniversary, hoping to cap off Fourth of July festivities with a unique fight card. This effort highlights the UFC White House event Paramount deal, marking a significant moment for the promotion and its new U.S. broadcast partnership.
The event is expected to attract top UFC fighters such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, who have expressed interest in participating. Following the announcement on Monday that UFC events will move exclusively to Paramount Plus, the promotion now plans to stream select events live on CBS, accessible to millions without cable or satellite subscriptions. Dana White indicated this White House occasion could be one of those special broadcasts during his recent discussions with media outlets.
Plans Take Shape for the White House Celebration
During a wide-ranging media tour after the seven-year, $7.7 billion broadcasting deal, Dana White elaborated on the potential impact of the partnership, noting its ability to reach a broad audience nationwide. In particular, he confirmed that the White House fight card is likely to air on CBS.
That [White House event] might be on CBS,
White said.
You know what I mean? Think about that. A fight card, from the White House live and free on CBS the network. C’mon.
—Dana White, UFC CEO
White also provided insight into the logistical progress, revealing plans to meet in Washington D.C. to finalize arrangements. Speaking with CBS Mornings, he expressed confidence in the event moving forward.
It’s definitely going to happen, he stated, adding,
I talked to him last night, him being the president. I’m flying out there [to Washington D.C.] at the end of this month. I’m going to sit down and walk him through, you know, all the plans and the renderings.
—Dana White, UFC CEO
Upcoming Meeting With Former President Donald Trump
Dana White revealed that he will be meeting with former President Donald Trump to discuss the White House event and what it entails. He hopes this meeting will clarify expectations and help move the project forward efficiently.
We’re gonna start deciding what he wants and what he doesn’t want,
White said. —Dana White, UFC CEO
While preparations for the White House event continue, the UFC’s current arrangement with ESPN remains active, and the pay-per-view model is still in place. The new CBS and Paramount Plus agreement is set to begin next year, creating a new distribution model for UFC content that is expected to reach a broader audience throughout the United States.
This upcoming CBS/Paramount partnership will be the UFC’s fourth television deal since the promotion began in 2005. UFC started on Spike TV and Versus, then transitioned to FOX in 2011, followed by its current arrangement with ESPN, which moved pay-per-view ordering in-house via ESPN+ and ended prior relationships with inDEMAND and DirecTV.
The move to Paramount and CBS represents a new chapter for the UFC’s broadcast strategy, though its success and effect on the sport’s reach remain to be seen.
Recent Highlights from the MMA World
Meanwhile, the latest UFC events have showcased impressive performances, adding to the sport’s growing momentum. Notable results include Anthony Hernandez delivering a dominant win over Roman Dolidze in a UFC Fight Night event, and a swift knockout during prelims by another UFC knockout artist.
There have also been notable opinions voiced by fighters such as Conor Benn, who clearly stated his preference for boxing over mixed martial arts cage fights, and Dustin Poirier, who has confirmed his return to UFC competing in upcoming major pay-per-view events.
Fans can continue following updates and reports on mixed martial arts and related combat sports through outlets such as MMAKnockout, which offers comprehensive coverage on UFC, boxing, and more.
The forthcoming White House event, backed by an expansive broadcasting deal, could become a landmark occasion for the UFC, potentially increasing mainstream exposure and attracting new viewers to the sport. As Dana White advances plans and secures support, the event’s historic setting and national broadcast could set a new precedent for MMA showcases.