DES MOINES, Iowa — President Donald Trump announced during a speech in Iowa Thursday that he's considering hosting a UFC match on the White House grounds as part of the celebrations for America's 250th anniversary. The president said the event could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.

"We have a lot of land there," Trump said, expressing his enthusiasm for the UFC. He has attended several mixed martial arts matches recently and maintains a close friendship with Dana White, the league's president.

The announcement was made in Iowa during the kickoff for a year-long series of festivities leading up to the nation's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

Watch the president's full remarks in Des Moines below:

Trump also revealed plans for a culminating festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and a separate athletic competition featuring high school athletes from across the country.

"So every one of our national parks, battlefields and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we’re going to have a UFC fight," Trump said. "Think of this on the grounds of the White House. We have a lot of land there," he added, noting that it would be a "full fight" with 20,000 to 25,000 attendees.

A White House spokesperson stated there were no additional details beyond the president's announcement. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump was "dead serious" about the plans.

Trump has recently enjoyed standing ovations and cage-side seats at several UFC events, including an appearance immediately after his 2024 reelection and another last month alongside White for two championship fights.