“$700K for Grass?” – Fans in Disbelief as Dana White Reveals UFC White House Event Expenses

Preparations have begun for the UFC White House event as CEO Dana White reveals a whopping amount to replace the South Lawn.

“$700K for Grass?” – Fans in Disbelief as Dana White Reveals UFC White House Event Expenses

Dana White reveals plan for UFC White House South Lawn (via MMA Fighting, X)

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The UFC continues to break new ground by hosting unique events in unprecedented locations. The promotion’s upcoming spectacle at the White House represents one of the boldest steps in blending combat sports with political and cultural landmarks. While the event itself has generated global attention, CEO Dana White has recently highlighted the challenges of hosting an event at such a historic venue.

Ever since its announcement by US President Donald Trump and confirmation by White, there are much speculations regarding how the promotion will pull off such an event. However, White has been revealing minute details and sneak peeks into how the event may materialize. From fan events, weigh-ins, and jumbotrons, White has kept audiences glued for updates surrounding the event.

There remains much speculations surrounding the seating arrangement and the placement of the Octagon. While White has revealed that the Octagon itself weighs around 15,000 pounds, he recently spoke about the massive changes he wants to make to the South Lawn, where the event will be held. He discussed the changes in an interview with the Sports Business Journal and outlined the logistics.

There is no doubt about it, this is going to be the most challenging event we have ever done. I’m coming off a stadium event, which I don’t like stadiums, to the thing that I hate the most in outdoor events. So yes, we got through the Sphere, made it through. Now we head into Washington, D.C., on the White House lawn. Because we’re going to **** up the South Lawn, $700,000 just to replace the grass.

Dana White via SBJ

Financially, the UFC has a track record of dedicating large sums to production value when hosting landmark events. Previous examples include international fight cards in locations such as Abu Dhabi and massive pay-per-view spectacles in Las Vegas stadiums, such as the Noche UFC event in 2024. However, the UFC White House event surpasses these in symbolic weight, given the relevance of the location.

Transforming the South Lawn into a functional fight venue demands significant infrastructure. Seating for 5,000 to 6,000 attendees is planned, along with lighting systems, camera rigs, and protective flooring that will overlay the grass. The UFC intends to hold weigh-ins on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and host additional fan events in Washington, D.C., prior to the card.

Looking ahead, the UFC White House event will stand as a landmark moment in MMA history, both for its ambition and its symbolic resonance. Dana White’s $700,000 investment to restore the South Lawn emphasized the magnitude of the occasion and the commitment. However, it also highlights the importance of preserving a national landmark while showcasing one of the most dynamic sports.

Fans react the massive costs for the UFC White House event revealed by Dana White

Fans have been buzzing over the announcement of the UFC’s White House event, focusing not just on the spectacle but also on the logistics and costs involved. The $700,000 expense revealed by Dana White took many aback, as it was intended to replace the South Lawn grass after the fights. Reactions range from surprise to disbelief over such a high figure for a temporary setup.

Dana White's whopping amount for UFC White House lawn
Dana White’s whopping amount for UFC White House lawn (via Britannica)

Beyond the immediate costs, some fans have drawn attention to broader issues within the sport, particularly regarding fighter compensation. Fans have revisited ongoing debates about the pay of UFC fighters in relation to the revenue generated by major events. The White House lawn expenditure has fueled these discussions, with fans questioning the prioritization of production costs over fighter salaries.

Many also suggested to Dana White that the same event could have been executed for far less if alternative approaches were considered, pointing to the possibility of more cost-effective solutions while still delivering a high-profile spectacle. However, regardless of the debate over costs, the White House event is set to become one of the most talked-about moments in UFC history.

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