A Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event is reportedly planned for June at the White House, with the South Lawn designated as the location. This groundbreaking event is estimated to have a capacity of 5,000 seats. Fighter entrances are confirmed to be from the Oval Office.
UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that matchmaking for the card is nearing completion and that he plans to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss event details. The event is understood to be part of President Trump's American 250 celebration.
Event Logistics and Status
The UFC event, slated for June, is scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House. Confirmed logistical details include an estimated capacity of 5,000 seats for attendees, with fighters designated to enter from the Oval Office.
UFC CEO Dana White has stated that no specific fights have been officially announced for this event. Reports regarding the timeline for announcements vary; one source indicates that announcements are not anticipated until after UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. However, another report states that White recently suggested matchmaking for the White House card is nearing completion, and he intends to meet with President Trump to discuss event specifics.
Conor McGregor's Potential Return
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has expressed keen interest in participating in the White House event, with a desire to compete in June. McGregor has been inactive from professional competition since 2021, following a broken leg sustained at UFC 264. A planned return at UFC 303 in June 2024 against Michael Chandler was canceled due to a toe injury.
Regarding his comeback, McGregor stated he had received and accepted an official fight offer, including an opponent and a date, and is awaiting a bout agreement. He later posted a deleted social media update noting he had been waiting over two weeks for a contract. McGregor has reportedly returned to full-time training, and his drug test suspension is scheduled to conclude at the end of the current month.
While McGregor has expressed a belief that Michael Chandler should still be his opponent, UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the idea of rebooking McGregor against Chandler, stating:
"No, that was a couple of years ago."
McGregor has publicly stated his readiness to face any opponent. However, recent reports suggest that McGregor may not be featured on the June White House card. Outside of fighting, McGregor has become a part-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
Michael Chandler, who previously coached opposite McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter, has maintained his confidence in being McGregor's opponent. Chandler stated in September 2025 that he believed they were "closer now than we ever have been" to a fight, adding his belief that he would fight McGregor at the White House.
Jon Jones's Participation Negotiations
Former two-division champion Jon Jones has confirmed he is in negotiations with the UFC regarding his potential involvement in the White House event. Jones, who has competed twice since 2020, had previously announced his retirement, effective June 2025, but subsequently reversed this decision following the announcement of the White House event.
UFC CEO Dana White has expressed concerns regarding Jones's reliability for such a high-profile event, citing Jones's history of issues outside of competition:
"Can't have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the f*cking White House fight."
Despite both fighters expressing interest, the UFC has appeared to show less interest in a potential bout between Jones and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Reports have also indicated Jones is experiencing severe hip arthritis.
Jorge Masvidal's Conditional Comeback
Jorge Masvidal, who last competed in the UFC in 2023 and announced his retirement after his fourth consecutive defeat, has expressed a conditional interest in returning to mixed martial arts for the White House event. Masvidal, 41, also participated in a boxing match in July 2024, losing by majority decision to Nate Diaz. He currently remains active as a promoter for combat sports organizations and continues to train for "something big."
When questioned about rumors of a potential matchup with Conor McGregor, Masvidal did not confirm or deny, stating, "I have some fight news coming soon and it's very big news." He explicitly stated that his only condition for an MMA comeback would be to compete in front of President Donald Trump at the White House event.
"I'm Trump's favorite fighter."
Masvidal indicated that an announcement regarding his potential comeback could be made in the near future.