Why is Tyson Fury at the UFC White House event?

Tyson Fury has signed with Dana White's Zuffa Boxing following an appearance at the UFC's landmark White House event on Sunday evening.

The two-time heavyweight champion made a grand entrance during the Freedom 250 event, marking his first time in the US since defeating Deontay Wilder in their trilogy back in October 2021.

In an on-air interview with UFC commentator Jon Anik, Fury hinted at a future partnership with White and Zuffa Boxing, but stopped short at announcing that he had signed with the upstart promotion.

"It's been a long time and boy oh boy am I happy to be here for this historic event Freedom at the White House on Donald Trump's birthday," he said.

"I think I'm going to let Dana do the speaking, I'll let him do the announcement but it's a massive, massive announcement."

However, broadcaster Nick Peet revealed on social media that the 'Gypsy King' has officially signed with Zuffa Boxing and White will serve as his promoter ahead of a long-awaited showdown with Anthony Joshua later this year.

Asked about facing AJ, Fury insisted he hopes the long-awaited clash finally takes place this year, and revealed that he will take another warm-up fight later this summer.

"I'm very, very, very excited for this fight - it's been over a decade in the making," Fury said. "For whatever reason it hasn't happened.

He continued: "A potential tune-up fight in August and maybe at the end of the year it'll happen. I've got no details on the fights but I'm looking forward to fighting whoever they put in front of me and getting back to doing what I do best, winning.

"Look at this event, it's beautiful, the president is here, everybody's here, what an event."

After coming out of retirement, Fury defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov in April at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a card that also featured fellow Zuffa Boxing signee Conor Benn.