Marco Rubio Compares UFC's Founding to Moon Landing at State Department Event

Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State, compared the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to the United States' achievement of landing a man on the Moon during an event at the State Department on June 9, 2026. Rubio made these remarks alongside UFC CEO Dana White, three days before a UFC event scheduled to take place on the White House South Lawn. The two signed a memorandum allowing the State Department to collaborate with the UFC for diplomatic initiatives. Rubio stated that both the UFC, established in 1993, and the U.S. were 'audacious' in their beginnings. He referenced President Kennedy's Moon landing announcement, emphasizing the spirit of doing what was once thought impossible. Rubio described the UFC as a platform that educates Americans about diverse cultures and as a rare unifying force in society. The memorandum includes plans for engaging athletes as mentors and cultural ambassadors to promote teamwork and healthy lifestyles among youth, as well as developing educational content using mixed martial arts to teach English and leadership skills.