Dana White has defended the UFC’s planned White House event, saying the sport isn’t becoming political simply because of where it’s being held.
UFC president Dana White has responded to questions about the organisation’s upcoming appearance at the White House following concerns about its political overtones.
White, who has long been open about his friendship with former US president Donald Trump, insisted the event is about sport, not politics.
Dana White rejects criticism of UFC’s White House visit
Dana White said the criticism of the UFC’s White House appearance misses the point of the event. He explained that sports figures have always been part of cultural moments connected to politics.
Speaking to Bloomberg, White dismissed the suggestion that the UFC’s presence at the White House makes the sport political, arguing that sports and politics have always naturally intersected through fandom rather than policy.
“I don’t know how it would be too political other than it’s at the White House. If you look back throughout history, I think George Bush was a big baseball fan, Obama was an NBA fan, and Trump is a UFC fan. I don’t think that any of those guys being fans made any sport too political.”
His comments follow a period of heightened attention around the UFC’s relationship with political figures, including Donald Trump.
White has regularly supported Trump at public events but has maintained that the promotion itself represents athletes from all backgrounds with no political alignment as an organisation.
UFC event celebrates achievement, not politics
The White House visit will include UFC fighters and staff celebrating the company’s recent growth and global reach.
The event is positioned as recognition of the sport’s expansion into mainstream culture, not an endorsement of any administration or ideology.
While some critics argue that the appearance could be viewed as politically motivated, White’s stance reflects his ongoing view that sport can unite fans regardless of political opinion.
His comments underline the UFC’s effort to present the event as a moment of recognition rather than division.
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