logo
Strict Security, Complimentary Tickets &...: Dana White Reveals Plans For UFC White House Event

Strict Security, Complimentary Tickets &...: Dana White Reveals Plans For UFC White House Event

News185 days ago
Last Updated:
Dana White has shared plans for a UFC event at the White House, with invitation-only tickets, tight security, and a possible main event featuring Jon Jones.
Plans for a one-of-a-kind UFC event at the White House are beginning to take shape, with UFC CEO Dana White revealing several details about what could be one of the most exclusive sporting events in the world. The announcement follows comments made by US President Donald Trump at a rally in Iowa, where he teased the event as part of the celebrations for America's 250th anniversary next year.
A report in Sport Bible stated that Trump confirmed that White would be responsible for assembling the fight card, which is expected to feature a championship bout. The President added that the event could draw between 20,000 and 25,000 spectators to the White House. But attendance won't be open to the general public.
'I don't even think we'll sell tickets. They will all be comp tickets," said Dana White when asked about ticket pricing for the event. As SportBible reports, this means entry to the show will be strictly invitation-only, making it one of the most exclusive UFC events ever staged.
Dana White also highlighted the logistical and security hurdles involved in holding a live fight at the White House. During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, the UFC chief spoke about the 'tons of challenges" they're facing.
White told podcast host Kyle Forgeard, 'I don't even know how many people can get in, not to mention the fact that the Secret Service isn't going to let a lot of people come to this. Everybody's going to have background checks."
White describes the setting as something never seen before in combat sports. 'Whoever actually gets to be there live, it will be such a unique, amazing experience in their lifetime," he said. 'One whole side of the backdrop will be the White House, and then the other side will be the Washington Monument."
The proposed event has already stirred excitement within the MMA community, particularly among fighters. Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who recently retired, hinted at a return for the occasion. 'It would be, for me, it's about the opportunity to represent America at the White House. I don't care who I fight that night," Jones wrote on X. 'I found my reason why; that's what I needed, something that was more than money."
It would be, for me it's about the opportunity to represent America at the White House. I don't care who I fight that night. I found my reason why, that's what I needed, something that was more than money https://t.co/jdVDVyYakw — Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) July 10, 2025
According to reports, White's dream main event could see Jones take on current heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall, a potential blockbuster to headline a historic night for both UFC and the US.
view comments
First Published:
July 22, 2025, 12:55 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

UFC Abu Dhabi ends with three fighters transported to hospital after brutal fights
UFC Abu Dhabi ends with three fighters transported to hospital after brutal fights

Time of India

time6 hours ago

  • Time of India

UFC Abu Dhabi ends with three fighters transported to hospital after brutal fights

UFC Abu Dhabi ends with three fighters transported to hospital after brutal fights (Image Via X) There is concern after UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, when three fighters were taken to a local hospital right after their bouts. reports that these trips to the hospital were done as a precaution. Details remain limited, but the cautious move has drawn attention from fans and media. All three fighters were checked by medical staff, and scan or X-ray results are expected soon. Mohammad Yahya Mohammad Yahya fought Steven Nguyen in a featherweight match. Yahya was knocked down six times during the battle, establishing a new UFC mark before the referee called off the fight. He then went to the hospital for a CT scan of his face and head. The UFC broadcast revealed no facial fractures and the CT scan came back clear. Amanda Ribas Amanda Ribas, a UFC strawweight fighter, fought Tabatha Ricci. Amanda Ribas was hit with an elbow to her eye socket, which caused her to fall. After the fight, she was sent to hospital for an X-ray of her eye. She later shared on Instagram that she will need surgery on her face. Ribas is now on a three‑fight losing streak and this recent loss adds to her challenges. Shara Magomedov Shara Magomedov, a UFC middleweight also known as 'Bullet,' fought Marc‑Andre Barriault. The fight was bloody and aggressive, earning the Fight of the Night bonus. Magomedov won by unanimous decision. After the fight, he was taken to hospital for a CT scan of his head and face, and his broken nose was reset at the hospital. Results of the scan have not yet been released. These hospital transports after UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025 reflect a safety-first approach when fighters sustain heavy damage. The fighters' club and officials acted quickly to make sure scans and care happen as needed. More health updates from are available as they become public. Also Read: Dana White Shares Mohammad Yahya's Shocking Face Photo After Steven Nguyen Lands Six Knockdowns At UFC Abu Dhabi FAQs 1. How many UFC fighters were transported to hospital after the Abu Dhabi event? Three fighters were transported to the hospital after suffering injuries during UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, 2025. 2. Why was Mohammad Yahya transported to the hospital after UFC Abu Dhabi? Mohammad Yahya was taken for a CT scan after being knocked down six times in a brutal loss to Steven Nguyen. 3. Did Amanda Ribas suffer a serious injury during her UFC Abu Dhabi fight? Yes, Amanda Ribas was transported to the hospital for an eye injury after a hard elbow from Tabatha Ricci. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

UFC Summer Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Why UFC always chooses Abu Dhabi for its biggest fights
UFC Summer Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Why UFC always chooses Abu Dhabi for its biggest fights

Time of India

time6 hours ago

  • Time of India

UFC Summer Fight Night Abu Dhabi: Why UFC always chooses Abu Dhabi for its biggest fights

Since 2010, Abu Dhabi has hosted 21 UFC events and renewed its partnership with UFC through 2028, cementing its MMA hub status/ Image: X UFC Summer Roars Back to Abu Dhabi The Etihad Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi roared back to life on Saturday, July 26, 2025, as UFC Summer Fight Night kicked off with Robert Whittaker vs. Reinier de Ridder headlining a blistering fight card. In a thrilling main event, rising Dutch phenom Reinier de Ridder stunned fight fans by edging out former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via split decision, a career-defining win that propelled him to 4-0 in the UFC and firmly into the title conversation, underscoring Abu Dhabi's continued role at the heart of the sport's biggest moments. This event marked UFC's 21st visit to Abu Dhabi since 2010, a number that tells its own story of transformation, both for the sport and for the Emirate hosting it. The stacked card, held at Etihad Arena, featured a tantalizing mix of rising contenders and decorated veterans, promising thrilling action across multiple weight classes with high-octane showdowns across several divisions. Some of the anticipated matchups include: Movsar Evloev vs. Aaron Pico Petr Yan vs. Marcus McGhee Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov Shara Magomedov vs. Marc-Andre Barriault Nikita Krylov vs. Bogdan Guskov All eyes now turn to the calendar's next centerpiece: UFC 321, set to headline Abu Dhabi Showdown Week on October 25, 2025, promising another blockbuster card in the capital. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They Were So Beautiful Before; Now Look At Them; Number 10 Will Shock You Reportingly Undo Tickets go on sale July 25 via and and anticipation is already soaring. 15 Years of UFC in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi's UFC journey began in 2010 with UFC 112, the promotion's first-ever outdoor event, featuring iconic matchups like Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia and Frankie Edgar vs. BJ Penn. What started as an experimental and audacious venture has since blossomed into one of combat sports' most successful international partnerships. Together with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), UFC has now hosted 21 events in the city, firmly establishing Abu Dhabi as what fans and insiders proudly call 'the fight capital of the East. ' Among those 21 events are some of the most iconic fights in modern UFC history: 1. UFC 112 (April 2010) Anderson Silva vs. Demian Maia – Middleweight title fight Frankie Edgar vs. B.J. Penn – Edgar upsets Penn to win the Lightweight title – First-ever UFC outdoor event; Abu Dhabi's UFC debut 2. UFC 242 (September 2019) Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier – Lightweight title unification Khabib dominates and defends his title in a globally watched event 3. UFC 254 (October 2020) Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje – Lightweight title Khabib wins by submission and emotionally retires inside the Octagon 4. UFC 257 (January 2021) Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier II – Lightweight bout Poirier avenges his 2014 loss with a stunning 2nd-round knockout 5. UFC 267 (October 2021) Glover Teixeira vs. Jan Błachowicz – Light heavyweight title Teixeira becomes one of the oldest champions in UFC history at age 42 6. UFC 280 (October 2022) Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira – Lightweight title fight Makhachev dominates to claim the vacant title, ushering in a new era 7. UFC 294 (October 2023) Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski II – Lightweight title Makhachev finishes the featherweight champ with a first-round head kick KO 8. UFC 308 (October 2024) Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway – Featherweight title Topuria defends the belt with a knockout win over fan-favorite Holloway The city also played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it hosted Fight Island, a secured international fight bubble that kept the sport alive while the rest of the world shut down. It set a precedent for crisis-era sports logistics and reinforced Abu Dhabi's reputation for world-class event management. This trajectory was formalised in 2019 when UFC and DCT Abu Dhabi signed a long-term agreement that was extended in October 2023 through 2028. Under the renewed deal, Abu Dhabi will continue to host a major UFC event annually, including at least one Fight Night per year in the broader MENA region. As HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, remarked: 'Over a 15-year relationship, UFC has extended its global reach and Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world capital for combat sports. Renewing our partnership with UFC allows us to continue to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents.' The UFC CEO's Take: 'I Love It Here.' UFC CEO Dana White, never one to withhold enthusiasm, is effusive in his praise for Abu Dhabi's role in the organisation's global expansion: 'Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it's incredible. I have been so excited to be able to put on some of the biggest fights in the history of UFC in Abu Dhabi and it's only going to get even bigger from here with additional Fight Nights coming to the region next year. I love it here.' White has good reason to love it. Over the course of their partnership: Abu Dhabi has hosted 9 title fights Broadcasted to 900 million homes across 170+ countries Brought in global names like Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Israel Adesanya, and Max Holloway Delivered consistently sold-out events and record-breaking digital engagement The infrastructure, safety, and seamless hospitality of Abu Dhabi has made it an ideal venue not only for events, but for long-term strategic growth. Power Slap : A New Frontier in Combat Sports, And It's Back As UFC cements its place in Abu Dhabi, so too does its controversial younger sibling: Power Slap. Founded by Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta, and Craig Piligian in partnership with UFC, the regulated slap-fighting league debuted internationally in Abu Dhabi in 2024 with Power Slap 9: Dumpling vs Da Crazy Hawaiian, a wild, sold-out showdown that ended in a dramatic draw. That single event generated staggering metrics: 700 million+ views across social platforms Over 1 billion combined reach via influencer marketing A sold-out crowd at Space 42 Arena Following its breakthrough success, Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi on October 24, 2025, just a day before UFC 321, again at Space 42 Arena. It will stream live and free on YouTube and Rumble, continuing its mission to democratize viewership and scale awareness. Dana White, in a statement, expressed his unrelenting belief in the format and the host city: 'Power Slap has had 13 straight sold-out events, and is now heading back to Abu Dhabi, one of the premier fight capitals in the world. In just two years, Power Slap has exploded with nearly 30 million followers and close to 20 billion video views across our platforms. The Middle East is becoming a hotbed for Power Slap, and I'm excited to bring it back.' A Sports Capital by Design Abu Dhabi's rise as a global sports destination hasn't been accidental, it's been deliberate, strategic, and deeply resourced. Over the years, the city has played host to marquee international events such as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA preseason games, world-class boxing bouts, and the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. In 2025 alone, it will stage two of the UFC's cornerstone events and Power Slap's only international showcase. Backed by top-tier infrastructure, seamless logistics, and a government that treats sport as both an economic engine and a tool of soft power, Abu Dhabi continues to redraw the map of global athletics. As UFC Summer surges forward in the capital and the countdown begins for UFC 321 and Power Slap, Abu Dhabi has proven that it is no longer an emerging destination, but the destination.

Morgan Gibbs-White Signs With Nottingham Forest Until 2028; Brings Spurs Saga To An End
Morgan Gibbs-White Signs With Nottingham Forest Until 2028; Brings Spurs Saga To An End

News18

time8 hours ago

  • News18

Morgan Gibbs-White Signs With Nottingham Forest Until 2028; Brings Spurs Saga To An End

Last Updated: Morgan Gibbs-White signed a new contract with Nottingham Forest until 2028, ending speculation of a move to Tottenham. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has signed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2028, putting an end to speculation linking him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. Reports earlier this month suggested that Spurs were preparing to activate a release clause in Gibbs-White's contract. However, Forest confirmed on Saturday evening that the 24-year-old will remain at the City Ground. 'A central figure in Forest's Premier League resurgence and a fan favourite at the City Ground, Gibbs-White has underlined his long-term commitment to the club by agreeing to fresh terms," the club said in an official statement. Gibbs-White played a pivotal role in Forest's impressive 2023–24 campaign, contributing seven goals and ten assists in 34 Premier League appearances. His performances helped guide the team to a seventh-place finish, securing a spot in the UEFA Conference League playoff round. Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2022 for an initial £25 million—a fee that could rise to £42.5 million with add-ons—Gibbs-White has grown into one of Forest's most important players. His standout displays also drew interest from Manchester City earlier this year. His most recent appearance came in a 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal at the City Ground, where he featured as a substitute under new England manager Thomas Tuchel. Tottenham Hotspur's attempt to lure Gibbs-White to North London reportedly stalled amid legal tensions between the two Premier League clubs. Although Spurs recently secured the signing of Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, their pursuit of Gibbs-White has faced serious obstacles. Reports indicated Tottenham were preparing to activate a £60 million release clause, but Forest claimed they had not granted the club permission to speak with the player. Under Premier League regulations, clubs are prohibited from contacting players under contract with another team without explicit permission—a rule Forest said Spurs breached. (with Reuters inputs) view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store