UFC White House Card to Proceed Despite Inclement Weather

Dana White says the fights will go on rain or shine, with lightning being the only exception.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:00am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes and the faint silhouettes of UFC fighters, capturing the raw intensity and excitement of the upcoming White House card.The high-octane energy of the UFC White House card will be on full display, as Dana White refuses to let any weather conditions stop the historic event from taking place.Washington Today

UFC President Dana White has confirmed that the upcoming UFC White House card, scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn, will proceed regardless of inclement weather conditions. White stated that the event will take place even if it rains or snows, with lightning being the only factor that could potentially delay the fights.

Why it matters

This UFC event at the White House is a historic and unprecedented occasion, and Dana White's commitment to holding the fights no matter the weather conditions underscores the significance of the event and the UFC's determination to make it a success.

The details

The UFC White House card will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, with the co-main event featuring an interim heavyweight championship bout between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. White acknowledged that holding an outdoor event comes with its own set of challenges, such as dealing with rain, wind, and bugs, but he is willing to push through any of those obstacles to ensure the event takes place as scheduled.

  • The UFC White House card will take place on June 14, 2026.
  • Fans will get a first look at the setup for the event during the UFC 327 broadcast on Saturday.

The players

Dana White

The president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), who is determined to hold the historic UFC White House card regardless of the weather conditions.

Ilia Topuria

A lightweight fighter who will be competing in the main event of the UFC White House card for the lightweight title.

Justin Gaethje

A lightweight fighter who will be competing in the main event of the UFC White House card for the lightweight title.

Alex Pereira

A fighter who will be competing in the co-main event of the UFC White House card for the interim heavyweight championship.

Ciryl Gane

A fighter who will be competing in the co-main event of the UFC White House card for the interim heavyweight championship.

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What they’re saying

“[If it rains] we're fighting. If it f—ing snows, we're fighting. Nothing will stop this show going that night. It can f—ing rain – Lighting is the only thing. We'd have to wait it out. We'd have to wait the lightning out and then do the fight.”

— Dana White, UFC President

“Actually the fight this Saturday will be the first look people will see what the South Lawn is going to look like.”

— Dana White, UFC President

What’s next

Fans will get a first look at the setup for the UFC White House card during the UFC 327 broadcast on Saturday, April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Dana White's unwavering commitment to holding the UFC White House card, even in the face of inclement weather, underscores the significance and historic nature of this unprecedented event. The UFC is determined to make this a success, showcasing the sport on a global stage and providing fight fans with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.