UFC White House Event: Ten Potential Fighters for Historic South Lawn Card
United States President Donald Trump shares a close friendship with UFC president Dana White, and the duo are orchestrating a seismic sporting spectacle. This summer, the Ultimate Fighting Championship aims to host an unprecedented event at the White House, potentially featuring multiple title fights on the South Lawn. The occasion forms part of a series of celebrations commemorating the United States' 250th anniversary.
Scheduled for 14 June, coinciding with Donald Trump's 80th birthday, the blockbuster card is poised to showcase numerous high-profile stars. President Trump has asserted that "almost every fight [on the card]" will be a championship contest. Given the extraordinary nature of the event, rumours about possible match-ups have proliferated, alongside discussions concerning snipers and limited fan access. Several top stars have publicly expressed their desire to participate.
Potential Fighters for the Historic Card
With UFC president Dana White, a close confidant of Trump, indicating that matchmaking will commence in February, here are ten fighters who could potentially feature on the landmark White House card.
Conor McGregor
Despite Dana White confirming that the Irishman will not face Michael Chandler after years of anticipation, the UFC icon has been rumoured to fight Jorge Masvidal at the White House. McGregor has claimed he will initiate negotiations for a new UFC contract as early as February. However, the fighter has not competed since suffering a broken leg in 2021.
Jon Jones
Linked to a potential showdown with light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, the controversial American has appeared more receptive to facing the Brazilian than heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. This follows a prolonged saga where each held a version of the heavyweight belt. Jones directed a celebration towards Trump after defeating Stipe Miocic in 2024. Although Jones retired from MMA last summer, he claimed days later that he would return for the White House event. White has openly stated he does not trust Jones, who has a history of failed drug tests and arrests.
Jorge Masvidal
While Dana White described a potential fight between Masvidal and McGregor as "goofy s***", the former "Baddest Motherf*****" (BMF) belt holder has hinted that such a bout is imminent. Masvidal has emphasised that "The White House card, for me, is everything." A White House fight would mark Masvidal's first UFC appearance since retiring from MMA in 2023.
Sean O'Malley
A prominent American name in the sport, O'Malley has been vocal about his desire to fight Petr Yan on the White House card. However, Merab Dvalishvili stated that no Russian fighters will compete at the event, seemingly ruling out contenders like Islam Makhachev. O'Malley's eagerness for the event could secure him a spot, though his participation may depend on his performance against Song Yadong on 24 January.
Israel Adesanya
The former two-time middleweight champion has expressed openness to fighting on the card, provided one condition is met: he hopes some "actual" fans of the sport are present, rather than individuals without a genuine interest in MMA. Based on current information, this aspiration may be unlikely. Nevertheless, featuring "Izzy" on the card would represent a significant draw. First, he must overcome Joe Pyfer in a challenging test scheduled for March.
Derrick Lewis
If Lewis secures a victory against Waldo Cortes-Acosta on 24 January, it could conveniently position him for a fight on the South Lawn. The "Black Beast" himself has described the mega-card as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Similar to Masvidal, Lewis can claim to be one of Trump's favourite fighters.
Max Holloway
Having already been called out by featherweight Jean Silva to contest the BMF title at the White House, Holloway promptly dismissed the proposal by labelling Silva "a weirdo." However, a fighter with Holloway's exciting style could easily capture the attention of event organisers. First, he faces Charles Oliveira in a tantalising BMF title defence in March.
Mackenzie Dern
At present, the women's strawweight champion is one of only two American title holders in the UFC. The other, Kayla Harrison, is recuperating from a major neck injury. Consequently, Dern would be a logical choice to feature on the card. A title defence against former champion Zhang Weili could create a spectacular clash.
Ilia Topuria
Despite Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett ruling out a grudge match with the lightweight champion at the White House, Topuria's return to the sport could align with the event. The fighter has been on hiatus due to personal reasons but responded "April-June" to a fan inquiry on X regarding his planned return. By that time, Pimblett may hold the interim version of the Georgian-Spaniard's title.
Alex Pereira
Although seemingly ruling himself out of contention, "Poatan" remains linked to a potential fight with Jon Jones. White has not dismissed a bout between the pair, which would likely constitute one of the most significant main events in UFC history. Perhaps Pereira's "no-go" comment concerning the White House was merely a negotiation tactic.
