Stars Who Showed Up to Donald Trump's UFC Birthday Night at the White House — and the A-Listers Who Quietly Said No — Photos

While several familiar faces made the trip to Washington for the headline-grabbing spectacle, some of the biggest names linked to the event were nowhere to be seen — and their absences quickly became part of the story.

According to Vanity Fair, demand for tickets became so intense that donors, lobbyists, lawmakers, and other influential figures were reportedly vying for a spot at the event, which UFC president Dana White and Donald Trump helped curate.

4,000 Guests, a UFC Octagon, and the South Lawn

The June 14, 2026, UFC Freedom 250 event transformed the South Lawn into a sprawling fight-night venue, complete with a regulation octagon, celebrity guests, political figures, military displays, and a packed crowd.

The celebration coincided with Trump's birthday and was widely viewed as one of the most anticipated invitations of the summer. As one source told Vanity Fair, the event had become "the hottest ticket in town," with donors, lobbyists, lawmakers, and prominent figures all hoping to secure access.

The UFC card drew an estimated crowd of about 4,000 attendees, while Trump reportedly had hundreds of invitations to distribute among guests. The unusual setting — a UFC octagon on the White House South Lawn — helped turn the celebration into one of the summer's most talked-about events before a single punch was thrown.

According to Vanity Fair, White had invited a number of high-profile stars to join him at the White House UFC card. The UFC chief previously revealed that he had personally invited several celebrity friends and entertainment figures, making their eventual attendance — or absence — a topic of curiosity long before fight night arrived.

Tony Hinchcliffe, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tyson Fury Were There

As guests filtered onto the South Lawn, several recognizable names emerged among the crowd. The Zak Brown Band and the United States Marine Band perform during a ceremonial presentation inside the UFC venue on the White House South Lawn.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe was photographed on the South Lawn of the White House, standing among rows of reserved seating and conversing with another attendee wearing a dark, star-patterned jacket.

The brightly illuminated White House, with its iconic South Portico and towering white columns, dominates the background, while guests, staff, security personnel, and spectators mingle throughout the seating area.

Meanwhile, one of the night's most talked-about images featured UFC president White posing alongside President Donald Trump, heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

A White House Selfie That Turned Heads

Jack Osbourne also documented his attendance, sharing a selfie from the event grounds. He captioned the post, "Ultimate Date Night 🫡 🇺🇸 @ufc FREEDOM 250."

The Pope's Brother Was in the Crowd

Among the notable attendees was John Prevost, the brother of Pope Leo XIV. In a candid scene near the event floor, Vice President J.D. Vance, wearing a navy suit and red tie, stands in conversation with a small group that includes Prevost.

The Rock, Adam Sandler, and Jared Leto All Said No

While the guest list featured plenty of recognizable names, some of the biggest celebrities connected to the event ultimately chose not to attend.

According to Vanity Fair, Dana White had invited a number of high-profile stars to join him at the White House UFC card. That list reportedly included Tom Brady, Guy Ritchie, Jason Statham, Adam Sandler, Jared Leto, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Mario Lopez.

However, as the event approached, it became clear that several of those celebrity invitations would not be accepted. A source close to Johnson told the outlet that the actor would not be attending.

Representatives for Sandler, Leto, and Lopez also confirmed that those stars would not be there. "The Rock", Adam Sandler, Jared Leto, and Mario Lopez ultimately became some of the most notable absences of the evening — a surprising development given the intense scramble for invitations surrounding the event.