Dana White Reveals UFC White House Event Had Multiple Security Threats
Michael AldonFri, June 19, 2026 at 4:36 AM UTC·3 min readUFC President and CEO Dana White revealed in an interview with TMZ Sports that the FBI thwarted multiple terrorist threats aimed at the historic UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House.
White confirmed he was kept fully informed of the developing security situation in real-time as federal agencies worked to neutralize the dangers. The MMA event proceeded on June 14 with President Donald Trump in attendance, celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary and Trump's 80th birthday.
AdvertisementAdvertisementWatch the full interview with White here (via TMZ Sports on YouTube):
"I was in the loop on all of the stuff that was happening in real time," he told TMZ.
White was aware that a high-profile event like the unprecedented UFC card on the White House lawn was sure to attract negative attention and a potential attack.
"These are the kind of events that bring the nuts out, you know what I mean?” he told TMZ. “This is normal stuff.”
He commended the FBI for its efficiency, noting the agency’s ability to manage multiple threats simultaneously.
AdvertisementAdvertisement“I mean, these guys are so good at what they do. The up-to-date things that I had during the week of the fight... these guys are incredible,” he remarked.
FBI Reveals Terror Plot
The FBI first revealed a sophisticated plan that included using explosive-laden drones to attack buildings near the South Lawn (via CNN on Instagram):
The goal was to cause mass panic and force the crowd to flee towards snipers.
A "second wave" of attackers would then allegedly attempt to storm the White House gates. Officials confirmed the plot was first discovered on June 10, triggering a multi-state operation.
The FBI worked with the Secret Service to apprehend multiple suspects, with at least five individuals now facing conspiracy charges.
Among them was 19-year-old Tycen Proper, who was taken into custody in Ohio and was allegedly stockpiling weapons and tactical gear (via WPLG Local 10 on YouTube):
Additional Attacks
White revealed there was more than one plot to foil the event on June 14,
"There was more than that. There was more than that," White told TMZ Sports, emphasizing the quantity of alleged threats.
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White, however, did not go into more details. Instead, he simply reiterated that the event was secure and would not be interrupted thanks to the hard work of security personnel.
"Listen, here's the reality. There was no safer place in America to be on Sunday night than in DC," White concluded, praising the collaborative efforts of law enforcement .
Despite the success, White indicated during the post-fight press conference that another event at the White House is unlikely, citing logistical challenges and the $60 million production cost.
AdvertisementAdvertisement"I can't afford it," White told reporters. "I'll never do the Sphere again, and we'll never do this again."
White also revealed that President Donald Trump had expressed interest in having fights on military bases for troops to enjoy, but White was quick to shut that down for the time being.
“He wanted to do it this year, and I said, 'Sir, I need a year to recover financially.’”
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
