PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - UFC President and CEO, Dana White, has definitively announced that the mixed martial arts organization will cease hosting fight cards at the White House. This decision stems from the overwhelming operational expenses and highly complex logistical hurdles associated with staging events at the presidential residence, as reported by Ksl.
The move follows the unique UFC Freedom 250 event, which took place outdoors on the South Lawn on Monday, June 15, 2026. That card notably featured an all-male lineup and culminated with Justin Gaethje winning the vacant lightweight championship title.
The unprecedented nature of the event came with a significant financial burden for the promotion. The promotion reportedly incurred expenses reaching $60 million to execute the card, which also contended with unpredictable weather and intricate construction requirements on federal grounds.
Following the event, White was firm in his assessment of the venue's future utility for the organization's promotional needs. "It was an amazing, experience, this was a one-of-one," said Dana White, CEO of UFC.
White immediately clarified that the unique logistical demands of hosting at the historic venue made any repeat performance unfeasible for the organization. "It will never happen again," said Dana White, CEO of UFC.
Addressing the media after the fights, the promoter stressed that the event's primary focus was national celebration rather than partisan political messaging. "Hopefully tonight created some unity," said Dana White, CEO of UFC. "Even for the people that thought this was going to be some big political statement or something, this wasn't."
He further elaborated that the goal was to introduce the sport to a wider audience who tuned in specifically because of the high-profile location. "This was Americans, all Americans celebrating the birthday. For people who tuned in for the first time, because it was at the White House, hopefully they liked the sport. They liked some of the guys' stories," said Dana White, CEO of UFC.
White concluded his financial review by drawing a stark comparison between the South Lawn event and other specialized, high-end venues. "I can't afford it," said Dana White, CEO of UFC. "I'll never do the Sphere again and we'll never do this again."
In the main event, Justin Gaethje defeated Ilia Topuria to claim the vacant lightweight title, securing $825,000 in performance bonuses for his victory. The newly crowned champion later expressed awe at the unusual pre-fight preparations.
