politics
UFC and State Department sign agreement for athletes to serve as sports ambassadors
UFC President Dana White developed close ties with Secretary of State Marco Rubio ahead of the agreement. The memorandum allows UFC athletes to serve as sports ambassadors worldwide. White also expressed positive views of Vice President JD Vance.
Jul 8, 5:25 PM·1m read1 source
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UFC and the State Department signed a memorandum of understanding on June 11, 2026, at the State Department in Washington, DC, to establish a sports diplomacy partnership. Under the agreement, UFC athletes and coaches will serve as sports ambassadors for young athletes worldwide through the State Department’s Sports Envoy Program.
UFC President Dana White stated he has become really close friends with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
White said he has met Rubio’s sons and likes his kids. White said he is not picking an official 2028 candidate and noted that he also likes Vice President JD Vance.
"JD is a great guy too," White said. " UFC Chief Operating Officer Lawrence Epstein said the league is thrilled about the partnership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the UFC has become a global phenomenon by embracing values of excellence, discipline, opportunity, and meritocracy.
Fox News reported that this is the first time the UFC has entered into such a partnership with the State Department.
