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Dana White explains Trump's role in new fight for White House UFC event
TL;DR
President Donald Trump influenced the addition of a heavyweight fight featuring Derrick Lewis to the UFC event at the White House on June 14. This decision was announced by UFC CEO Dana White after Trump's attendance at UFC 327 in Miami.
Let’s get to the point: President Donald Trump played an key role Saturday, April 11 in the UFC adding a heavyweight fight to the mixed martial arts event scheduled to be held at the White House June 14.
While Vice President JD Vance was in Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials amid a fragile cease fire, Trump attended for UFC 327 at the Kaseya Center in Miami. He arrived with Dana White, the UFC’s CEO and a longtime friend of Trump’s.
After the 12 fights at UFC 327 were complete, White announced the UFC was adding to the White House event a heavyweight fight between Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit, a self-styled villain who won a bloody brawl at UFC 327.
Said White, "So what's crazy is organically, about an hour before (Hokit's victory), the president said to me, ‘Why is Derrick Lewis not on the White House card? I said, ‘I'll be back in five minutes.’
"I went and called Derrick Lewis, said the president wants to know why you're not on the White House card. And Derrick Lewis said, "Politics. Politics kept me off the White House card."
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
A beaming Donald Trump stands between George Foreman and Evander Holyfield at a press conference on Nov. 20, 1990.
Donald Trump and Marla Maples arrive at ringside for the start of the Evander Holyfield and George Foreman title fight on April 19, 1991.
Developer Donald Trump and Marla Maples enjoy a soda and a hot dog as they watch the action at the U.S. Open on Sept. 28, 1991.
Donald Trump, in the stands with his wife Marla Trump, celebrates during Super Bowl XXVI between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome on Jan. 26, 1992. The Redskins defeated the Bills, 37-24.
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open on Sept. 7, 1997. Earlier in the day, Martina Hingis won the women's championship.
Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open play at the USTA National Tennis Center on Sept. 7, 1998.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and an unidentified woman on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 1999.
Donald Trump and talks to an unidentified friend as they watch the U.S. Open final in New York on Sept. 12, 1999
Donald Trump leaves the stage during opening ceremonies at the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit on Sept. 16, 2004.
Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic torch relay on June 19, 2004, in New York. The Olympic flame traveled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Donald Trump watches the action during the third round of the ADT Championship at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006.
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
Donald Trump watches the action on the 17th hole during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 7, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Regis Philbin and Donald Trump watch as the New York Yankees play against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees' home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010, in New York.
Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks talks to Donald Trump prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 23, 2010, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
Real estate tycoon Donald Trump talks with New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines as the Patriots and the New York Jets warm up prior to their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6, 2010, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Donald Trump settles into his new ride as he is named the 2011 Indy 500 pace car driver for the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500 at Trump Tower on April 5, 2011, in New York.
Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
Businessman Donald Trump looks on as athletes from Great Britain, Ireland and the United States walk past during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Walker Cup held on the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club on Sept. 9, 2011, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Donald Trump watches as Bubba Watson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on the TPC Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 9, 2012, in Miami.
Donald Trump attends the Opening Day game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 5, 2012, in New York.
Donald Trump poses for a photo with fencer Tim Morehouse and tae kwon do athletes Steven Lopez and Diana Lopez during the Team USA Road to London 100 Days Out Celebration in Times Square on April 18, 2012, in New York.
Donald Trump and television personality Bill O'Reilly attend the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2012, in New York.
Donald Trump and Robert Kraft talk before a game between the New England Patriots and New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 21, 2012, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Donald Trump and PGA golfer Justin Rose watch an NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on Feb. 10, 2013, in Miami.
Developer Donald Trump looks over the practice ground during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 10, 2013, in Doral, Florida.
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
Donald Trump attends 2015 U.S. Open quarterfinals women's singles match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump walks the course during the final round of The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club on Aug. 30, 2015, in Edison, New Jersey.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump makes an appearance prior to the start of play during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course on March 6, 2016, in Doral, Florida.
President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
President Donald Trump on the field during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
President Donald Trump walks with Lt. General Darryl Williams and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper during the 119th Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 8, 2018.
President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the college football game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
President Donald Trump participates in the coin toss before the college football game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia.
First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
President Donald Trump attends UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2, 2019.
President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump cheer for the Florida Atlantic University band during the Super Bowl party at International Golf Club on Feb. 2, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
President Donald Trump walks onto the field before the first half of the Army-Navy college football game at Michie Stadium on Dec. 12, 2020.
Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
Former President Donald Trump, UFC president Dana White, and Kid Rock pose for a photo during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11, 2023, in New York.
Former President Donald Trump with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster during a college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023.
Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
Donald Trump points to the crowd in the pit lane prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 5, 2024, in Miami.
Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Former President Donald Trump poses for a photo during the first quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 20, 2024.
President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk watch a fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 16, 2024.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones greets President Donald Trump before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
President Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump with New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
President Donald Trump is greeted by Zane Smith, driver of the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the No. 47 SUNNYD Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, 2025.
President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick watch the action during the Division I men's college wrestling championship held at Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2025.
President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump attends UFC 316 at the Prudential Center on June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey.
First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
President Donald Trump attends the New York Yankees game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankees Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma during the third quarter of a game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium.
President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump with Marla Maples at a University of Arizona basketball game at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 27, 1990.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
A beaming Donald Trump stands between George Foreman and Evander Holyfield at a press conference on Nov. 20, 1990.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and Marla Maples arrive at ringside for the start of the Evander Holyfield and George Foreman title fight on April 19, 1991.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Developer Donald Trump and Marla Maples enjoy a soda and a hot dog as they watch the action at the U.S. Open on Sept. 28, 1991.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump, in the stands with his wife Marla Trump, celebrates during Super Bowl XXVI between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills at the Metrodome on Jan. 26, 1992. The Redskins defeated the Bills, 37-24.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Marla Maples and then husband Donald Trump greet race driver Lyn St. James prior to the inaugural Indy 200 race at Walt Disney World on Jan. 27, 1996. Buzz Calkins won the race on the new Disney 1.1 mile tri-oval track.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Developer Donald Trump talks with his former wife Ivana Trump during the men's final at the U.S. Open on Sept. 7, 1997. Earlier in the day, Martina Hingis won the women's championship.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and Celina Midelfart watch the match between Conchita Martinez and Amanda Coetzer during U.S. Open play at the USTA National Tennis Center on Sept. 7, 1998.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, serving as the grand marshal for the Daytona 500, speaks to Donald Trump and an unidentified woman on the starting grid at the Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 1999.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and talks to an unidentified friend as they watch the U.S. Open final in New York on Sept. 12, 1999
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump leaves the stage during opening ceremonies at the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit on Sept. 16, 2004.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump carries the Olympic flame during Day 15 of the Athens 2004 Olympic torch relay on June 19, 2004, in New York. The Olympic flame traveled to 34 cities in 27 countries en route to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches the action during the third round of the ADT Championship at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2006.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and actor Gerard Butler watch the tennis match between Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during Day 14 of the 2009 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 13, 2009, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches the action on the 17th hole during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 7, 2010, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Regis Philbin and Donald Trump watch as the New York Yankees play against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during the Yankees' home opener at Yankee Stadium on April 13, 2010, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks talks to Donald Trump prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 23, 2010, at Yankee Stadium in New York.
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Real estate tycoon Donald Trump talks with New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft on the sidelines as the Patriots and the New York Jets warm up prior to their game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 6, 2010, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
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Donald Trump settles into his new ride as he is named the 2011 Indy 500 pace car driver for the 100th Anniversary of the Indy 500 at Trump Tower on April 5, 2011, in New York.
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Donald Trump looks on as Maria Sharapova takes on Heather Watson during Day 1 of the 2011 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Aug. 29, 2011, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Businessman Donald Trump looks on as athletes from Great Britain, Ireland and the United States walk past during the opening ceremony of the 2011 Walker Cup held on the Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club on Sept. 9, 2011, in Aberdeen, Scotland.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump watches as Bubba Watson hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship on the TPC Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 9, 2012, in Miami.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the Opening Day game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 5, 2012, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump poses for a photo with fencer Tim Morehouse and tae kwon do athletes Steven Lopez and Diana Lopez during the Team USA Road to London 100 Days Out Celebration in Times Square on April 18, 2012, in New York.
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Donald Trump and television personality Bill O'Reilly attend the MLB game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2012, in New York.
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Donald Trump and Robert Kraft talk before a game between the New England Patriots and New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 21, 2012, in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
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Donald Trump and PGA golfer Justin Rose watch an NBA game between the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Arena on Feb. 10, 2013, in Miami.
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Developer Donald Trump looks over the practice ground during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at the Trump Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 10, 2013, in Doral, Florida.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump and his wife, Melania Trump, attend a match between Rafael Nadal and Tommy Robredo at the 2013 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 4, 2013, in New York.
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Donald Trump attends 2015 U.S. Open quarterfinals women's singles match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the middleweight championship bout between Gennady Golovkin and Daniel Geale at Madison Square Garden on July 26, 2014.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Presidential candidate Donald Trump walks the course during the final round of The Barclays at Plainfield Country Club on Aug. 30, 2015, in Edison, New Jersey.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump attend the match between Serena Williams and Venus Williams at the 2015 U.S. Open on Sept. 8, 2015, in New York.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the fight between Gennady Golovkin against David Lemieux bout at Madison Square Garden on Oct. 17, 2015, in New York.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump makes an appearance prior to the start of play during the final round of the World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral Blue Monster Course on March 6, 2016, in Doral, Florida.
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President-elect Donald Trump during the first quarter of the 117th annual Army-Navy college football game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Dec. 10, 2016.
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President Donald Trump waves during the second round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Trump National Golf Course on July 14, 2017, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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President Donald Trump speaks with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan during the final round of the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course on Oct. 1, 2017.
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President Donald Trump points to fans prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between Georgia and Alabama at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
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President Donald Trump on the field during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Jan. 8, 2018, in Atlanta.
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President Donald Trump walks with Lt. General Darryl Williams and Secretary of the Army Mark Esper during the 119th Army-Navy college football game at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 8, 2018.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during Game 5 of the 2019 World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Oct. 27, 2019.
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the college football game between the LSU Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Nov. 9, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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President Donald Trump participates in the coin toss before the college football game between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019, in Philadelphia.
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First lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump stand during the national anthem prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Clemson and LSU at Mercedes Benz Superdome on Jan. 13, 2020, in New Orleans.
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President Donald Trump attends UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 2, 2019.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump during the second quarter of the game between the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field on Dec. 14, 2019.
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump cheer for the Florida Atlantic University band during the Super Bowl party at International Golf Club on Feb. 2, 2020, in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump stand on pit road for the national anthem as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds perform a flyover prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 on Feb. 16, 2020.
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President Donald Trump and former New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera met with youth baseball players to celebrate Major League Baseball's Opening Day on July 23, 2020.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
President Donald Trump walks onto the field before the first half of the Army-Navy college football game at Michie Stadium on Dec. 12, 2020.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump looks on during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Former first lady Melania Trump and former President Donald Trump hold up signs for "stand up to cancer" prior to the sixth inning in Game 4 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves on Oct. 30, 2021, in Atlanta.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump plays his shot from the 16th tee during the pro-am prior to the LIV Golf invitational at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster on July 28, 2022, in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Then former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd during the NCAA Division I wrestling championships at the BOK Center on March 18, 2023.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump attends the fight between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez during UFC 287 at Miami-Dade Arena on April 8, 2023.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Pat Perez shakes hands with then former President Donald Trump on the 18th green during the first round of the LIV Golf DC 2023 tournament at Trump National Golf Club on May 25, 2023, in Sterling, Virginia.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump waves to a supporter while attending the college football game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023.
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Former President Donald Trump, UFC president Dana White, and Kid Rock pose for a photo during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11, 2023, in New York.
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Former President Donald Trump with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster during a college football game between the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium on Nov. 25, 2023.
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Donald Trump watches from the stands during the title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Brandon Royval during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Donald Trump points to the crowd in the pit lane prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 5, 2024, in Miami.
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Then former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talks with team owner Richard Childress prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 26, 2024, in Concord, North Carolina.
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Donald Trump in the sports world: NFL games, UFC events and more
Former President Donald Trump talks with UFC president Dana White during the fight between Cesar Almeida and Roman Kopylov during UFC 302 on June 1, 2024.
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Republican presidential candidate and then former President Donald Trump raises his fist during the second quarter of the college football game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
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Former President Donald Trump poses for a photo during the first quarter as the Pittsburgh Steelers play the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium on Oct. 20, 2024.
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President-elect Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk watch a fight during UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York, on Nov. 16, 2024.
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Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones greets President Donald Trump before playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
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President Donald Trump and daughter Ivanka Trump with New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on Feb. 9, 2025.
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President Donald Trump is greeted by Zane Smith, driver of the No. 38 Speedy Cash Ford, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the No. 47 SUNNYD Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 16, 2025.
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President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick watch the action during the Division I men's college wrestling championship held at Wells Fargo Center on March 22, 2025.
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President Donald Trump sits with Elon Musk and Musk's son as they watch English fighter Paddy Pimblett celebrate winning during UFC 314 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, on April 13, 2025.
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President Donald Trump attends UFC 316 at the Prudential Center on June 7, 2025, in Newark, New Jersey.
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First lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 championship match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, on July 13, 2025.
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Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy with teammates and President Donald Trump during the award ceremony for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Champions at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025.
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President Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Pam Bondi and Jared Kushner stand for the national anthem prior to the men's singles final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Day 15 of the 2025 US Open on Sept. 7, 2025, in New York.
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President Donald Trump shakes hands with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York.
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President Donald Trump attends the New York Yankees game against the Detroit Tigers at Yankees Stadium on Sept. 11, 2025, in New York, on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
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Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; President Donald Trump is interviewed by Fox play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert and analyst Jonathan Vilma during the third quarter of a game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium.
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President Donald Trump waves at football fans from the team owner’s suite during the first half between the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Why is Trump a fan of Derrick Lewis?
Lewis is 6-3, 260 pounds and nicknamed "The Black Beast." They could have just as easily nicknamed him "Unfiltered" for his style when there’s a microphone in his face.
"I'm not trying to be the best fighter in the world," Lewis once said. "It's all about the cheddar."
He also once said, "I know I only need one punch to knock any guy out."
In fact, Lewis holds the UFC record for most victories by knockout – 16 – and was No. 8 in the UFC heavyweight contender rankings before Saturday night.
But at 41, it’s clear he's running out of chances to make big cheddar. He has lost five of his past eight fights and is coming off a loss to Waldo "Salsa Boy" Cortes-Acosta by second-round TKO.
That took place Jan. 24, so it was no shock in March that when White announced the six-fight card for the White House Lewis' name was not among the 12 fighters.
'Tell the president thank you'
Yet, Lewis said politics kept him from fighting at the White House. Before fully realizing politics suddenly were working in his favor.
On Saturday night, White recalled how his phone call with Lewis proceeded.
"And I said, 'Do you want to fight on the card?' White said. "And he said, 'I absolutely want to fight on the card. Tell the president thank you.' "
Then, White said, he reached out to Mick Mayard, the UFC’s matchmaker, and told him, "Find a fight for Derrick. Let’s talk about it next week and whatever."
The story was unfolding much faster than planned.
"Then the Hokit fight happens and Joe Rogan, I had the headphones on," White said. "Joe Rogan goes, ‘Is there another slot open on the White House card for Hokit? And I go, 'Holy (expletive).' So I grabbed Mick and I said, 'Go back there and talk to see if he's in.' And Hokit was getting into an ambulance and said yes."
Could there be yet another fight added to the card before June 14?
"I shouldn't have done this one," White said, referring to the fight between Lewis an Hokit. "But when the president looks at you and says, 'Why is Derrick Lewis not on the card,' you put Derrick Lewis on the card immediately.
"Unless (Trump) calls me and tells me to do something else, there will be no more fights added to the card."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump plays key role in adding new UFC fight to White House event
Q&A
What heavyweight fight was added to the White House UFC event?
A heavyweight fight between Derrick Lewis and Josh Hokit was added to the White House UFC event.
Why was Derrick Lewis initially not on the White House UFC card?
Derrick Lewis stated that 'politics' kept him off the White House card before President Trump intervened.
When is the UFC event scheduled to take place at the White House?
The UFC event at the White House is scheduled for June 14.
What role did Donald Trump play in the UFC 327 event?
Donald Trump attended UFC 327 and suggested to Dana White that Derrick Lewis should be included in the White House event.
