Brandon Royval explodes over Donald Trump’s UFC White House event idea in angry rant about ICE and politics

Donald Trump’s plan to hold a UFC event at the White House has turned messy after one fighter called it the “f***ing Hunger Games.” The event, planned with UFC chief Dana White, is set for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House.

White said it will be the “biggest and baddest card ever.” But not every fighter is happy about it.UFC star Brandon Royval blasted the plan during an interview on the In The Arena MMA podcast, saying he doesn’t want to fight in front of billionaires or politicians. He said he fights for real fans, not rich people in suits. Donald Trump confirmed the event in October, saying it will mark a huge moment for both sports and politics.

But Royval’s strong words have now changed the buzz around the event, turning what was supposed to be a celebration into controversy.

Brandon Royval slams Trump’s White House fight plan

Brandon Royval, who is ranked No. 3 in the UFC flyweight division, said he has no interest in fighting at the White House. He told the In The Arena MMA podcast, “I don’t give a s*** about fighting at the f***ing White House. I wanna fight in front of big crowds.” Royval said the event feels like something from the “Hunger Games,” a show for billionaires, while normal fans are left out.

He also joked about his worries over ICE agents possibly being there, saying, “I’m too Mexican-looking. Next thing you know, I’m in Mexico and I don’t even speak Spanish.” According to MMA Mania, ICE agents are expected at big events for security reasons, and fighters may be checked before entering the grounds.Donald Trump and Dana White have been close friends for over two decades. White told Sports Business Journal that the UFC will spend $700,000 to fix the White House grass after the fights.The event is expected to draw fewer than 5,000 people due to tight security, according to Politico. Famous names like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are trying to get on the fight card, and McGregor even said he got a $100 million offer plus 100 “Golden Visas” from Trump.Also Read: Olympic Legend Surya Bonaly Loses All Her Medals To Las Vegas Thieves While Caring For Her Cancer-Stricken MotherBrandon Royval’s rant, however, has put a spotlight on the event’s political tone. Many fans online now question if mixing fights with politics is a good idea, or if it turns UFC into more of a show than a sport.