For the first time in many, many years, a UFC event will feature a live singing of the national anthem.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Zac Brown will sing The Star-Spangled Banner at UFC White House — which takes place June 14 and is headlind by Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the undisputed UFC lightweight title.
“We don’t do the national anthem,” White said. “So one of the things that drives me crazy with boxing is they have to sing two national anthems and all of this stuff before the fight starts. We’re an international business. We have people from everywhere so we could end up singing two national anthems that are not even from this country, plus, the whole world’s watching us. We’re in over a billion homes worldwide so I don’t do it.
“This will be the first time in a very long time — since like UFC double-digits — that we’ve done the national anthem and Zac Brown will be doing it.”
The UFC White House card celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States, and was an idea inspired by President Donald Trump on Independence Day in 2025.
In the co-main event, Alex Pereira looks to become the UFC’s first ever three-division champion as he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title.
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