US Secretary Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White sign sports diplomacy agreement

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UFC CEO Dana White on Thursday signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to establish a public-private sports diplomacy partnership. The agreement leverages the UFC’s global reach in over 165 countries to foster international cultural exchanges, promote leadership, and showcase American athletic excellence.

Rubio praised the organization as the "United Nations of fighting," emphasizing that combat sports transcend political and socioeconomic divides. The signing ceremony took place just days ahead of a historic, invitation-only UFC event held on the South Lawn of the White House.