Dana White teases new element for White House card as Zac Brown is set to feature

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UFC Freedom 250 is shaping up to be one of the most distinctive events in the promotion’s history. The card breaks several long-standing traditions and introduces a format rarely seen in modern mixed martial arts.

The event will take place on a Sunday rather than the usual Saturday slot, immediately setting it apart. It will also feature just seven fights, while attendance will be strictly limited to invited guests, with no public ticket sales.

In that context, Dana White has continued to reveal new elements that underline the occasion’s distinct nature.

Dana White confirms Zac Brown will perform national anthem at UFC Freedom 250

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White revealed that UFC Freedom 250 will feature the United States national anthem, a notable departure from the organisation’s standard approach. The performance will be delivered by Zac Brown as part of the event’s theme.

The card has been designed to celebrate 250 years of American independence, which explains the decision to reintroduce an element that has long been absent from UFC events. It marks a clear shift, but for one night only.

White explained the reasoning behind avoiding anthems in the past, highlighting the promotion’s global identity. He has consistently positioned the UFC as an international product rather than one tied to a single nation.

“We don’t do the national anthem. So one of the things that drives me crazy with boxing is they have to sing two national anthems and all this stuff before the fight starts. We’re an international business,” he told Entertainment Tonight.

“I mean, we have people from everywhere, so we can end up singing two national anthems that are, you know, not even from this country. And plus the whole world’s watching us. We’re in over a billion homes worldwide. So I don’t do it.”