(The Hill) — President Trump on Thursday floated the idea of hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event at the White House next year as part of celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary.
Trump told supporters at a “Salute to America” event in Iowa that there would be a youth sporting event called the “Patriot Games” to mark the year-long celebration.
He also said national parks and historic sites, including the White House, would host special events to mark the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
“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 going to build a little — we’re not, Dana’s going to do it. Dana’s great. One of a kind,” Trump said, referring to UFC president Dana White.
Trump suggested the event would be a full “championship fight” and could host up to 25,000 people. Such an event would likely require various permit approvals to take place at or near the White House.
Trump has become something of a regular at UFC fights. The president has a years-long friendship with White. Many of the fighters who compete at UFC events have publicly expressed support for Trump, including in the Octagon.