Dana White says UFC’s White House event was too costly to repeat
The UFC CEO called Freedom 250 a success but said its $60 million cost and complex logistics made it a one-time event.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
3 min read
UFC CEO Dana White said the promotion does not plan to stage another fight card at the White House after Sunday’s Freedom 250 event, citing cost and logistics despite calling the night a success. The Associated Press reported that UFC said it paid the $60 million bill for the outdoor event on the South Lawn.
White told reporters after the card that the setting was singular but not practical to repeat. “It was an amazing experience, this was a one-of-one,” White said, according to the AP. “It will never happen again.”
The event was held as part of celebrations tied to President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the AP reported. Trump attended the full seven-fight card and later wrote on Truth Social that the night was “PERFECT!”
A White House fight night
According to the AP, fighters on the all-male card were given access to parts of the White House before their bouts, including the West Wing, Oval Office, Roosevelt Room and Cabinet Room. Winners also met Trump after their fights.
Justin Gaethje won the UFC lightweight title in the main event by defeating Spanish-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria, the AP reported. Gaethje said he looked at the copy of the Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office before walking to the cage and described the experience as unusual for a fighter preparing to compete.
Gaethje earned $825,000 in bonus money after receiving “Performance of the Night” and “Fight of the Night” honors, according to the AP. Ciryl Gane also won a championship bout during the card.
The AP reported that Trump appeared engaged throughout the event, at one point wearing a white “USA” baseball cap. Fighters whose hands were raised after victories shook hands with the president, and Gaethje also greeted first lady Melania Trump.
Costs and complications
White said the event met UFC’s internal goals, pointing to merchandise sales, streaming subscriptions and other measures at a post-event news conference, according to the AP. He also said he hoped viewers who tuned in because of the White House setting would continue watching the sport.
But White said weather worries, outdoor production demands, construction requirements and security and staging issues at a federal landmark made the event too difficult and expensive to repeat. “I can’t afford it,” White said, according to the AP. “I’ll never do the Sphere again and we’ll never do this again.”
The AP reported that the event also included patriotic performances and tributes to first responders, active-duty military personnel and others selected by the White House. The Marine Band was part of the presentation.
There were also disruptions involving two fighters, according to the AP. Middleweight champion Sean Strickland was escorted out of an Ellipse watch party by police, and heavyweight Josh Hokit made an unfounded attack based on a right-wing conspiracy theory about former first lady Michelle Obama.
UFC’s next major stop returns the promotion to a more familiar venue. The AP reported that UFC 329 is scheduled for Las Vegas during International Fight Week and is expected to feature Conor McGregor’s return after a five-year absence.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.