The UFC schedules a groundbreaking event this summer on the White House South Lawn to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary. Set for June 14, the date of President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, the card features high-stakes bouts.
Event Details and Expectations
President Trump claims nearly every matchup qualifies as a championship fight. Ari Emanuel, CEO of UFC parent company TKO, expects six to seven contests, down from initial projections of eight or nine. UFC President Dana White, a close associate of Trump, confirms matchmaking wraps up soon.
Security discussions include snipers and limited fan entry. Top fighters voice strong interest, fueling speculation on the lineup.
10 Fighters Likely to Feature
1. Conor McGregor
Dana White rules out bouts with Michael Chandler, Jorge Masvidal, or Colby Covington, calling them ‘total BS.’ The Irish star pushes for inclusion and starts new contract talks in February. McGregor last competed in 2021 after a leg injury, leaving his current form uncertain.
2. Jon Jones
Heavyweight contender Jon Jones eyes a clash with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira over a potential superfight with Tom Aspinall. Jones directed a victory celebration toward Trump after defeating Stipe Miocic in 2024. He retired briefly last summer but pledged a comeback for this event, though White expresses doubts due to past drug test failures and legal issues.
3. Jorge Masvidal
Masvidal hints at a showdown with McGregor, declaring, ‘The White House card, for me, is everything.’ White dismisses the idea as ‘goofy s***.’ This marks Masvidal’s potential UFC return since retiring in 2023.
4. Sean O’Malley
Bantamweight star Sean O’Malley campaigns for a fight against Petr Yan. Merab Dvalishvili states no Russian fighters participate, potentially excluding Islam Makhachev. O’Malley shows keen interest, pending his January 24 matchup with Song Yadong.
5. Israel Adesanya
Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya welcomes a slot if true MMA fans attend, beyond casual spectators. He faces Joe Pyfer in March as a key test.
6. Derrick Lewis
Derrick Lewis views the card as a ‘once in a lifetime’ chance and ranks among Trump’s favored fighters. A recent loss to Waldo Cortes-Acosta in January dashed an ideal setup, but he remains in contention.
7. Max Holloway
Featherweight Max Holloway rejects Jean Silva’s BMF title challenge at the event, labeling him ‘a weirdo.’ His dynamic style appeals to promoters. Holloway defends the BMF belt against Charles Oliveira in March.
8. Mackenzie Dern
Women’s strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern stands as one of two American titleholders, with Kayla Harrison sidelined by a neck injury. A title defense versus Zhang Weili offers blockbuster potential.
9. Ilia Topuria
Featherweight king Ilia Topuria plans a return between April and June after a personal hiatus. Justin Gaethje eyes a summer shot following his January win over Paddy Pimblett.
10. Alex Pereira
Light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira links to a megafight with Jones. White keeps the door open, positioning it as a historic main event despite Pereira’s earlier reluctance.
