Dana White Addresses UFC White House Show Criticism

UFC CEO Dana White has addressed some critics concerns that the UFC White House event on June 14 will be too political, promising the show will have nothing to do with politics, and will be for all Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.

“If you love America, you’re going to love this event. It has nothing to do with politics. We just happen to be on the White House lawn and the President of the United States will be there,” White said 

White’s comments come after UFC 327 in Miami, which saw President Donald Trump make an entrance alongside family and cabinet members, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. One of the primary ways White is distancing the event from government politics is by ensuring that taxpayer money is not being used for the production.

The UFC and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, are footing the entire bill. The estimated cost of the event is upwards of $60 million. The UFC is even responsible for a $700,000 fee to entirely replace the South Lawn grass after the event concludes. White highlighted that the event celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States, an occasion that goes beyond politics.