New Poll Reveals Deep Public Divide Over Planned UFC Event at White House

A new national survey shows Americans remain sharply divided over plans to host a UFC fight on the South Lawn of the White House as part of the Freedom 250 celebrations, highlighting differing views about the event’s impact on one of the nation’s most recognizable institutions.

The findings come just days before the White House is scheduled to host the event on June 14. Preparations are already underway, with workers constructing a UFC fight stage on the White House grounds ahead of the highly anticipated gathering.

According to results released by the Seton Hall Sports Poll, nearly half of Americans believe the UFC event could hurt the public image of the White House. The survey found that 46 percent of respondents said the event would have a negative effect on how the White House is viewed, while 22 percent said it would have a positive impact.

The numbers represent a slight change from a similar poll conducted in October 2025. At that time, 50 percent of respondents believed the event would negatively affect the White House’s image, while 19 percent viewed it positively. Although opinions have shifted slightly, the latest survey indicates that concerns about the event remain widespread among many Americans.

Views of the UFC event itself were also mixed. Across all respondents, only 25 percent said they had a positive opinion of the fight being held at the White House, while 44 percent expressed a negative opinion. The results suggest that public reaction remains divided not only about the venue but also about the event itself.

Support for the fight was noticeably stronger among UFC fans. The survey found that 40 percent of self-identified UFC fans believed the event would positively impact the White House, while 29 percent felt it would have a negative effect. When asked about the fight itself, 46 percent of UFC fans said they viewed it positively, compared with 26 percent who held a negative view.

Charles Grantham, Director of the Center for Sport Management and the Seton Hall Sports Poll, described the event as a significant opportunity that also carries considerable risks. He noted that the event reflects the growing acceptance and popularity of mixed martial arts in the United States while also creating debate among sports fans about whether such an event belongs at the nation’s most famous residence.

Political ideology also played a major role in shaping public opinion. Among respondents who identified as liberals, 68 percent said they had a negative view of the UFC fight, while only 16 percent viewed it positively. Moderates were also more likely to oppose the event, with 47 percent expressing negative opinions and 23 percent expressing positive opinions.

Conservatives, however, showed a different response. The poll found that 41 percent of conservatives viewed the event positively, while 18 percent held a negative opinion. The findings reflect a broader political divide surrounding the planned fight and its connection to public figures associated with the UFC.

The survey was conducted between April 2 and April 9 and included responses from 1,601 adults nationwide. Researchers reported a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

The UFC event is one of several activities planned as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Other events expected to take place during the commemorative period include an IndyCar race route that will pass near the White House and the Great American State Fair on the National Mall.

President Donald Trump has previously said the completed UFC setup will include a 5,000-seat arena positioned outside the White House. Additional viewing screens are expected to be placed at the nearby Ellipse to allow larger crowds to watch the fights. UFC officials have also indicated plans to distribute tens of thousands of free tickets for spectators attending the event and related viewing areas.

As preparations continue, the latest polling data underscores how the planned UFC fight has become more than a sporting event. For many Americans, it has evolved into a broader discussion about tradition, public image, sports culture, and the role major entertainment events should play at historic national landmarks.

Sources

• Seton Hall Sports Poll
• White House
• Associated Press (AP)