UFC Adds New Fight to White House Card at Trump's Request

The former president personally asked for the addition to the upcoming event.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:09pm

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the chaotic movement and action of a UFC fight, conceptually representing the controversy surrounding political involvement in the sport.The former president's personal request to add a fight to the upcoming UFC event at the White House sparks concerns about political influence in professional sports.Today in Miami

The UFC has added a new fight to its upcoming event at the White House, at the request of former President Donald Trump. Trump was in attendance at UFC 327 in Miami and spoke with UFC CEO Dana White, leading to the last-minute addition to the card.

Why it matters

This marks the first time a former U.S. president has directly intervened to influence the matchmaking of a major MMA promotion. It raises questions about the appropriate role of political figures in professional sports and whether their involvement could lead to favoritism or conflicts of interest.

The details

According to reports, Trump approached UFC boss Dana White during UFC 327 in Miami and requested that a specific fight be added to the upcoming White House card. White agreed to Trump's request, though the details of the added matchup have not been disclosed.

  • Trump attended UFC 327 in Miami on April 12, 2026.
  • The new fight was added to the White House UFC card shortly after Trump's conversation with Dana White.

The players

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who personally requested the addition of a fight to the upcoming UFC event at the White House.

Dana White

The CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship who agreed to add a fight to the White House card at Trump's request.

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What they’re saying

“The President wanted this fight added, so we're making it happen.”

— Dana White, UFC CEO

What’s next

The UFC has not yet announced the specific fight that was added to the White House card at Trump's request. More details on the matchup are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks as the event approaches.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the potential for political influence in professional sports, raising concerns about fairness, transparency, and the appropriate boundaries between government and private enterprise. It remains to be seen how this addition to the UFC card will be received by fighters, fans, and the broader public.