Fact Check: Did Dana White rule out another White House UFC event over costs?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral claim circulating online alleges that UFC President Dana White said the organization will never hold another event at the White House because the cost was too high.

The rumor gained traction following UFC Freedom 250, the widely publicized event held on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026.

The event made history as the first professional sporting competition hosted at the presidential residence and sparked widespread media coverage and online debate. But did Dana White actually rule out future UFC events at the White House over cost concerns?

Claim: Dana White ruled out future White House events

An X user shared a post claiming that Dana White had ruled out holding future UFC events at the White House following UFC Freedom 250.

The post further alleged that the event cost more than $60 million to stage and was expected to result in a $30 million loss despite sponsorship support. 

The post stated, "Dana White says the UFC will never have another event at the White House again due to the cost." It also attributed the following quote to White: "I can't afford it...there's no f**king way we can do this again."

The claim sparked speculation online, with many users questioning whether it was accurate. One commenter wrote, "Did they do it at a loss? That feels hard to believe."

Another user asked, "@grok how much was it." A third commenter expressed skepticism, writing, "Dana alone is worth almost 1 billion, I think he can afford it."ford it."

Fact Check: True, Dana White did rule out future White House UFC events

Yes, the claim is true. Dana White did say that the UFC will not hold another event at the White House because of the high cost. He made the comments following UFC Freedom 250 on June 14, 2026.

According to White and multiple reports, the event cost the UFC about $60 million to produce.

Expenses included constructing a temporary arena on the White House South Lawn, production costs, security and logistics, and restoring the lawn afterward. White said the event was too expensive to repeat and remarked, "I can't afford it... there's no way we can do this again. There's just too much."

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

He also compared the event to the UFC's Sphere showcase, which he has similarly said would not be repeated because of the cost.

Reports before the event estimated that the UFC could lose around $30 million, although some of those costs were expected to be offset through sponsorships and partnerships.

Despite the financial hit, White said the company achieved its goals and viewed the event as a major success for the UFC brand.

However, White noted that the cost, weather concerns, logistical challenges, and his preference for indoor venues make future White House events unlikely.