The UFC is preparing for probably the most unique events in combat sports history, as CEO Ari Emanuel revealed plans for an unprecedented fight card to be held on the South Lawn of the White House. The intimate affair will feature roughly 6 to 7 fights for a select crowd of three,000 to 4,000 attendees, marking the primary time a serious MMA promotion has hosted an event on the nation’s most famous residence.
Ari Emanuel on the UFC White House card:
– Shall be 3,000 or 4,000 in attendance on the South Lawn.
– Approx 6 or 7 fights.
– Shall be CBS & Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/I9uJeU9KXb— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 6, 2026
The promotion continues to push boundaries when it comes to venue selection and event production. The choice to limit attendance to roughly 3,000-4,000 people creates an exclusive atmosphere that stands in stark contrast to the UFC’s typical arena and stadium shows, which regularly draw crowds exceeding 15,000 fans. This intimate setting will likely feature a curated guest list of political figures, celebrities, and high-profile UFC supporters who’ve the rare opportunity to witness fights in such a historic location.
The streamlined fight card of 6 to 7 bouts represents a major departure from standard UFC programming, which usually features 10-13 fights across preliminary and most important cards. This condensed format suggests the promotion is specializing in quality over quantity, likely stacking the lineup with notable names and compelling matchups designed to captivate each the live audience and viewers tuning in from home. The abbreviated card also accommodates the logistical challenges of hosting a combat sports event on the White House grounds.
Broadcast details confirm that CBS and Paramount+ will carry the historic event, providing the UFC with mainstream network exposure that extends beyond its traditional ESPN partnership. The CBS deal represents a strategic move to succeed in casual sports fans who won’t usually follow MMA, while Paramount+ subscribers could have streaming access to the motion. This dual-platform approach maximizes the event’s reach and underscores the importance the UFC places on this groundbreaking occasion.
While specific fight matchups and the event date remain under wraps, the White House card represents one other milestone within the UFC’s evolution from underground spectacle to mainstream sports juggernaut, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon with unprecedented access to America’s political epicenter.