By almost every account, UFC Freedom 250 was a hit.
Between the spectacle of the event itself at the White House, including a unique stage that created terrific fighter introductions, and the fights that took place, with all seven bouts ending in knockouts, it left some fans wondering: Could this happen again?
For now, UFC CEO Dana White is slowing the roll, saying he doesn’t have any immediate plans to return to the White House.
Here’s what White had to say about another potential UFC card at the White House.
Why Dana White won’t put on another UFC White House card
While there was plenty that worked out for UFC at the White House, including weather not factoring in despite those concerns, White said after Sunday’s fights that he has no plans to run it back in D.C.
That was for one reason: the money.
“I can’t afford it. There’s no f—ing way we can do this again,” White said. “I’ll never do the [Las Vegas] Sphere again, and we’ll never do this again.”
Dana White says the UFC will never be at the White House again
“I can’t afford it. There’s no f*cking way we can do this again.”
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/x1Etj2SOKr
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) June 15, 2026
The event was always viewed as a one-time event, especially for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. But considering its success and size, naturally, it left fans wanting to see it again. Per ESPN, White also said that merchandise for the event was a success, and the numbers streaming on Paramount were “monstrous.”
However, despite saying he spoke with Donald Trump about a fight for troops in 2027, White was hesitant to make outdoor fight plans.
“He wanted to do it this year,” White said, per ESPN. “And I said, sir, I need a year to recover financially.”
How much did UFC White House card cost?
As the event was being planned, Puck reported that the UFC White House event cost UFC as much as $60 million to execute. By that figure, it was the most expensive UFC event ever, surpassing an estimated $20 million for UFC 306 at the Las Vegas Sphere.
UFC was paying for the full production, with White House/taxpayer money not factoring in.