UFC CEO Dana White has never been afraid of ambitious ideas, but even he admits that the upcoming UFC White House card is one of the toughest challenges the promotion has ever taken on.
In a new interview with TNT Sports, White openly discussed the staggering production issues and enormous costs tied to hosting a fight night on the South Lawn of the White House, a location unlike anything the UFC has attempted in its 30+ year history.
According to White, the problems started long before the first punch is thrown.
From the structure of the venue to strict security demands, this card is shaping up to be the most complicated and most expensive UFC event ever.
A Venue That Isn’t Built for Live Sports
White didn’t hold back when explaining the physical obstacles.
“The South Lawn slopes down like this. Let’s start there,” he said, pointing out that something as basic as the ground level creates massive complications for cameras, staging, and seating.
The UFC has held events in stadiums, arenas, deserts, and even custom-built locations, but none of those spaces presented a layout issue like this one.
The South Lawn isn’t designed for large crowds, permanent structures, or heavy-duty equipment. That means nearly everything used for the show needs to be built, reinforced, or modified from scratch.
White also highlighted strict capacity limits, noting that only a certain number of people can safely fit on the lawn.
That includes not just fans but also production crew, security, fighters, trainers, media, and high-priority personnel.
Secret Service Oversight Changes Everything
Another major obstacle: security.
White explained that he normally gets plenty of freedom when entering the White House, thanks to years of visits and his longstanding relationships there. But this time, things are different.
“I’ve been to the White House a million times… but when we bring in 4,500 people that night, plus all the production staff, this is gonna be difficult,” he said.
The Secret Service is deeply involved in every detail, from who enters the property to where heavy equipment is placed. Each vehicle, camera, and cable must be cleared.
Every guest needs to be vetted. Every crew member must pass security screenings.
This level of oversight has never existed at a UFC event before. Even Fight Island in Abu Dhabi didn’t require this kind of minute-by-minute coordination.
The Cost: “The Sphere Was Chump Change”
That may be the most shocking part of the entire situation.
White compared the cost of the White House card to UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere — widely known as the most expensive UFC event ever, with a price tag of over $20 million.
“What the Sphere cost is like chump change … compared to what this is gonna cost,” White said.
For reference, a typical UFC arena event costs roughly $2 million. Even the biggest pay-per-views rarely come close to what UFC 306 required.
If the Sphere event was $20 million, and White is calling that “chump change,” it paints a clear picture:
The White House card may be the most expensive live MMA event ever created.
And that’s before adding the unpredictable costs that come with historic venues and extreme technical demands.
No Screens, No Standard Lighting – Only the White House & Monument
White also revealed one of the reasons costs are skyrocketing: he doesn’t want any of the typical UFC equipment visible.
“I want nothing to do with [our normal] lighting rig. I don’t wanna see it.
We have screens. I don’t wanna see screens.
The only thing I wanna see is the White House.
And then when the fight goes the other way: the Washington Monument.”
To accomplish that vision, the UFC had to design an entirely new lighting system, one that is still being built and tested.
It must illuminate the fighters, keep the cameras clear, avoid interference with the White House, and stay hidden from view.
That alone costs millions. Specialized materials, custom-built rigs, and unique installation work all contribute to a rapidly growing budget.
Every Tree, Every Shadow, Every Minute of Sunlight Mapped Out
If that wasn’t enough, the UFC production team is preparing at a level rarely seen in live sports.
White praised Craig Borsari, his head of production, who created detailed renderings of the entire South Lawn, including each tree.
“Everything is laid out.
We’ll know where the sun is every thirty minutes.
The list goes on and on.”
The UFC is even tracking weather patterns weeks ahead of the event to predict wind, temperature, and lighting changes.
Outdoor events are notoriously unpredictable, and hosting one at one of the most protected locations in the world only amplifies the stakes.
Every second of lighting, every potential shadow, and every moment of sun exposure must be accounted for — because standard backup options like large screens or overhead grids aren’t allowed.
The Fight Card Is the Easy Part
For a company that has staged more than 325 events, assembling a stacked card usually requires matchmaking, promotion, and medical clearance. In contrast, the White House event demands:
- A new lighting system
- A redesigned stage
- A customized cage setup
- Elite-level security coordination
- Constant communication with federal agencies
- Detailed mapping of the venue
- Full-scale testing
- Complex transport and setup plans
- Strict equipment limits
Compared to that list, picking the fighters seems simple.
White laughed when discussing the comparison, noting that booking a big card feels minor when the production requires this much effort.
“Insane” Might Be the Right Word This Time
Dana White is known for describing major UFC events as “wild,” “crazy,” or “insane.” Usually, fans take those words with a grain of salt. But this time, it’s hard to disagree.
The combination of:
- A sloped lawn
- Security restrictions
- Custom-built equipment
- Unpredictable weather
- Limited space
- Historic surroundings
- Massive costs
…makes this the most ambitious show the UFC has ever attempted.
From the outside, fans will see a stunning view of the White House and the Washington Monument behind the Octagon.
But behind the scenes, hundreds of professionals will be working through the night to make sure nothing goes wrong.
Conclusion: A Historic Moment That Comes With a Massive Price
Dana White has built the UFC into a global powerhouse through bold decision-making, but this White House card may be his most daring project yet.
The logistics alone would scare off most promoters, and the cost appears to dwarf even the UFC’s richest events.
Still, if the UFC pulls this off, it will be one of the most unforgettable nights in combat sports history, a first-of-its-kind event that blends Washington D.C.’s most iconic landmarks with the biggest MMA promotion in the world.
White believes it will be “insane,” and for once, nobody is arguing.
This card may rewrite what is possible in live sports, even if it comes with a price tag unlike anything the UFC has ever seen.
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