UFC CEO Dana White is fully prepared for the upcoming White House card, but he admitted that security remains a major concern, and measures have already been put in place.
White disclosed that a list of selected individuals will attend the bout. In a sit-down with The Herd, White revealed that he has held meetings with President Trump, where they factored in security concerns regarding attendance.
“So we went to the White House last week, me and my team, we had the first meeting with [Trump]. We laid out all the renderings and started to get him to sign off on what he likes and doesn’t like, and he loved it. So yeah, now we’re diving in headfirst. Now all the work starts. …
“This last time I was at the White House, I went up on the roof and they had snipers with .50 cals all over. It’s pretty crazy. But, yes, security is going to be a massive issue, because at the end of the day, the Secret Service’s job is to protect the president. I don’t know how it’s going to work out as far as having people there live on the lawn of the White House. It’ll be under 5,000 [people] though.”
As of now, no fights have been officially announced for the event. However, big names such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have expressed interest in competing on the card, though White has repeatedly shut down Jones’ involvement. White was also asked about the possibility of McGregor, who hasn’t fought since 2021, making his return at the White House.
“Yeah,” White said. “You know, we’ll see how this thing plays out. I’ll start making this card in February.”
The occasion will not only be special for the promotion and the fighters but also for fans, who will be treated to a celebration throughout the build-up to the 250th birthday of the United States.
“There’s a, I can’t remember what they call it, but there’s a park that’s connected to the White House. We could put 85,000 people over there with screens, and we’re going to put a big stage out there, do concerts,” White said. “We’re going to take over Washington, D.C., that whole week.”
