Dana White: No Repeat of White House UFC Event

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UFC will not seek to hold another Freedom 250-type event at the White House in the future, according to CEO Dana White.

White told reporters early Monday that the historic UFC Freedom 250 card on the South Lawn of the White House was a unique undertaking that will not be repeated, citing the enormous cost and logistical challenges involved.

"I can't afford it," White said when asked whether he would return if President Donald Trump requested another event, the Washington Examiner reported. "There's no f***ing way we can do this again."

The event, staged on Trump's 80th birthday as part of America's 250th anniversary celebrations, cost UFC roughly $60 million to produce.

The promotion constructed a temporary 4,300-seat arena featuring towering lighting structures that rose above the White House and coordinated with more than seven federal agencies to bring the spectacle to life.

"It was an amazing experience," White said. "This was a one-of-one that will never happen again."

Despite ruling out a sequel, White described Freedom 250 as one of the most successful events in UFC history.

According to White, merchandise sales shattered company records, Paramount+ streaming numbers were "monstrous," and nearly 200,000 people attended a two-day fan festival on the Ellipse near the White House, ESPN reported.

The event concluded with fireworks over Washington as Trump, first lady Melania Trump, and thousands of spectators watched from the South Lawn.

White said the promotion achieved every benchmark it had set for the event.

"In every way you can gauge success," he said.

The card nearly faced weather-related complications after forecasts warned of thunderstorms and high winds.

But after a brief delay, the storms largely bypassed the White House, allowing the fights to proceed under favorable conditions.

White has long preferred indoor venues because they offer greater control over weather and production variables.

He said the White House event reinforced that preference, even as it delivered a memorable night for fans.

The Freedom 250 concept originated after Trump floated the idea during a campaign rally last year, suggesting UFC could be part of nationwide celebrations marking America's 250th birthday.

Trump and White have maintained a close relationship dating back to 2001, when Trump hosted one of UFC's earliest major events at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

White also dismissed criticism from opponents who objected to staging a UFC event at federal landmarks and challenged the legality of the promotion's use of government property.

A lawsuit seeking to block portions of the festivities failed shortly before the event.

"I love this country," White said. "The fact that the president of the United States trusted me to do this and to deliver tonight — and we did."

Charlie McCarthy

Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.

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