TLDR
- Dana White confirmed UFC is planning a White House event for June 2026 as part of America’s 250th celebration but no fights have been negotiated yet
- Conor McGregor claimed he had a done deal to fight at the event, but White denied this and said negotiations won’t start until February 2026
- UFC is moving to a new $7.7 billion broadcast deal with Paramount starting January 2026
- White promised the White House card will be “the greatest fight card ever assembled” in UFC history
- Former champion Ronda Rousey recently posted training footage, but White said she’s just training and focusing on family life after having three babies
UFC president Dana White addressed questions about a planned White House event during the UFC 320 post-fight press conference. He confirmed the promotion is working on a card for June 2026. The event would celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.
White said the UFC has not started booking fights for the White House card. He stated negotiations will not begin until February 2026. The promotion is currently focused on production details and logistics.
Conor McGregor recently claimed he was negotiating a $100 million deal with the U.S. government for the event. The Irish fighter later said it was a “done deal” he would compete at the July 4 celebration. White directly contradicted these statements.
“I made it clear Conor wants to fight on that card and you can clearly see Conor is very fired up to fight on that card,” White said. “But nothing is done yet and no fights are being negotiated with the White House.”
McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. The 36-year-old former two-division champion has repeatedly discussed returning to competition. He has mentioned Michael Chandler as a potential comeback opponent.
UFC’s Paramount Deal Takes Priority
The promotion is preparing to launch its new broadcast partnership with Paramount in January 2026. The deal is worth $7.7 billion. White said delivering a strong card for the Paramount debut is the immediate priority.
“We’re about to go on a new network on Paramount and we need to deliver a massive, incredible card in January,” White explained. “Then in February we’ll start looking at building the White House.”
White described his vision for the White House event. He called it “the greatest fight card ever assembled in the history of definitely this company.” Multiple UFC fighters have expressed interest in competing at the historic venue.
The event would take place on the White House lawn. White said the UFC is still working through production challenges. The unique venue presents logistical considerations the promotion has not dealt with before.
Ronda Rousey Training Footage Sparks Questions
Former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey recently posted training videos on social media. The 38-year-old showed herself hitting pads in September. She wrote she was “finding my love” for MMA again.
White addressed speculation about a potential Rousey return. He said they speak approximately once every three months. Rousey visited UFC offices during a recent trip to Las Vegas.
“I don’t know what her plans are – I think she’s just training,” White said. “She just had three babies and she’s in a whole other place in her life.”
White noted Rousey’s physical condition. He said she is “freaking ripped like she used to be.” Rousey last competed in MMA in 2016 before joining WWE.
The UFC Hall of Famer has been away from combat sports for seven years. She has focused on her family during this time. White did not indicate any discussions about her returning to competition.
