The White House UFC event has been announced, and promotion is in full swing, but authorities have issued a warning to UFC to pay a $100 permit fee; otherwise, the event could be derailed. This warning has been issued by the DC Combat Sports Commission, which governs the combat sports events held in Washington, D.C. Even though the commission has issued a warning, UFC is adamant that these charges do not apply to them.
According to the Daily Mail, the warning to the UFC was that its fight bouts would not be counted towards fighters if the organization fails to comply with the legal requirements of paying $100 and obtaining the medical green light from the commission. Andrew Huff, the chairman of the Commission, declared that proceeding without the commission’s green light would set a wrong precedent, as this event would eventually affect all other events that might take place in the future.
Andrew Huff, chair of the DC Combat Sports Commission, in an interview, said, “We don’t know anything.” Then added, “Every promoter in the District of Columbia should be, and is, held to the same standard, whether you’re putting on a small wrestling show or a major event.” Huff further mentioned, “I’m concerned about precedent. What happens when someone puts on a boxing match in Malcolm X Park? They don’t need to get us involved?”
The DC Sports Commission just dropped a warning, but UFC’s hitting back with their jurisdiction policy
The DC Sports Commission is pushing UFC to comply with the legal framework. But, per the Washington Post, UFC’s regulatory body is insistent that this event is taking place on federal soil at the White House, so it is outside the Commission’s jurisdiction. That said, the organization is not giving in to the warnings and seems unbothered by these restrictions.
It looks like the UFC is not just saying it on its own; President of the United States, Donald Trump, is seemingly happy to host this event at the White House and appears to be supporting Dana White. Trump recently confirmed his plans to join UFC White House Card and praised the CEO for organizing this event on the president’s birthday, and coincides with the country’s 250th Independence Day.
With Donald Trump taking Dana’s and the UFC’s side, the organization might not back down or be tolerant of the commission’s warning. But it is yet to be seen which side will give in and allow this event to take place without any restrictions.
Published: Mar 16, 2026 02:45 pm