Trump Takes the Reins: UFC's White House Showdown

Overview

For the first time in UFC history, Donald Trump will have a direct hand in selecting the fighters for a card.

Dana White, CEO of UFC, announced exciting developments about the 'UFC White House' event planned for June 14, noting that the president will play a direct and decisive role in choosing the final matchups.

White said after the Zuffa Boxing 3 press event that he will soon travel to Washington with Craig Borsari to meet President Trump and his team to finalize the show.

Trump will not only host; White will present 'different options' for the fight card for the President to choose from, and Trump will be consulted on all production aspects.

White confirmed that fighter selection is already underway, with two distinct structures for how the bouts could be laid out.

The event is slated to take place on the White House South Lawn before about 5,000 spectators, as part of the America 250 celebrations, under Trump's direct supervision.

White described the show as 'very powerful, very unique, and exceptionally expensive'.

While the final number of bouts or the lineup remains under wraps, White hinted that the official list could be announced in a 'very private' manner under discussion with the White House team.

Finally, a couple of light snipes: When politics and the octagon collide, the weigh-in is the budget meeting. The only thing heavier than the punches may be the price tag.