Ronda Rousey, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and WWE star, has given an update as to what her sporting future could look like—but it won’t include fighting at the upcoming UFC cage match at the White House.
During a recent appearance on The Lapsed Fan podcast, Rousey said “I got better s*** to do,” when asked about fighting at the event.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House, the UFC, and a representative for Rousey via email for comment, outside of regular working hours.
Why It Matters
A UFC event is set to take place at the White House in 2026, to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. President Donald Trump has previously said that the event will be a “full fight” with about 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance.
Trump has long been an enthusiast for the sport, has attended multiple mixed martial arts matches in recent months, and is a friend of Dana White, the UFC’s president.
The Wall Street Journal has reported that the President is intimately involved in the planning of the event.
What To Know
Rousey, 38, is retired, but remains one of the biggest names in the history of the UFC and WWE. During a recent appearance on The Lapsed Fan podcast to promote her new graphic novel, Rousey was asked if anyone had reached out to her about the White House event.
Rousey replied, “I’m not fighting at the White House.”
Alluding to a potential comeback, she said “After Mike Tyson being in the biggest fight of the year, never say never,” but then added “I ain’t fighting at the f****** White House.”
Rousey was then asked by the podcast hosts why she wouldn’t want to participate, even if she were to be offered. To this, Rousey replied “I got better s*** to do.”
“My kid needs pasta,” she added.
Rousey did not make clear if she had been approached to fight at the event.
Dana White reportedly visited Trump at the White House last week to discuss plans for the event, and Trump’s daughter Ivanka is also said to be helping out, as per the The Wall Street Journal.
That same report detailed that the card will feature both male and female fighters.
What People Are Saying
Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director, told the Wall Street Journal: “This will be one of the greatest and most historic sports events in history.”
President Donald Trump said during his Memorial Day address in May: “We’re gonna have a big, big celebration, as you know, 250 years. … In some ways, I’m glad I missed that second term … because I wouldn’t be your president for that.”
What’s Next
The UFC White House event is slated to take place in June of 2026, although very few details have been released.
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