President Donald Trump has announced plans to host a UFC fight on the White House grounds next year.
During a speech in Iowa on Thursday (July 3), Trump revealed that the 250th anniversary of American independence would feature a variety of exciting events nationwide, including a ‘championship fight’ attended by 25,000 people at the White House.
Discussing the event’s organization, Trump mentioned that UFC president Dana White would oversee the preparations.
“We are going to have some incredible events, some professional events, some amateur events,” he stated.
“Does anybody watch UFC? The great Dana White? We’re going to have a UFC fight. We’re going to have a UFC fight – think of this – on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there.
“We’re gonna have a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people.”
Discussing additional events, he continued: “Every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honour of America250.”
Following Trump’s speech, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented: “It’s going to be EPIC!”
While some were thrilled at the idea of a UFC fight at the president’s residence, others were skeptical about the plans.
One commented: “Trump just announced a UFC fight on the White House lawn with 25,000 people attending.
“We’re rapidly becoming the laughingstock of the world.”
Another expressed disbelief: “Oh please tell me I heard that one wrong.”
A third added: “This can’t be true. Please tell me this is parody.”
Nevertheless, some saw no issue with the plans, considering it a ‘bold’ move.
“Bringing sports to historic spaces is bold. It may spark pride or debate, but it sure captures attention,” one person noted.
Another added: “UFC is a massively popular sport. Why not host a massively popular sport at The White House?”
Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor has expressed interest in participating in a White House-hosted fight, tweeting: “Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House. I would be honoured! Count me in!”
He further commented: “July 4th next year is a Saturday, regarding President Trump’s UFC White House event. I will be reigning President of Ireland just under 1 year when I step out on the lawns of the White House to throw down. Epic proportions! Or as I like to call it, Tuesday at the office. Vote McGregor.”
Imagine the scenes.