TLDR
- UFC commentator Joe Rogan believes excluding Jon Jones from the White House UFC event would be a “travesty”
- President Donald Trump predicted the June 14 card will feature eight or nine championship fights
- Rogan questioned the math behind Trump’s claim, noting there are only eight men’s weight classes in the UFC
- Dana White has repeatedly dismissed Jones’ attempts to join the card, calling him unreliable
- Multiple champions including Islam Makhachev, Kayla Harrison, and Conor McGregor want spots on the historic card
UFC commentator Joe Rogan has made his position clear on the upcoming White House event. He believes Jon Jones must compete on the historic card scheduled for June 14, 2026.
The event will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It will take place on the White House lawn. President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White announced the special event earlier this year.
Trump recently stated the card would feature eight or nine championship fights. Rogan responded to this claim during his podcast. He pointed out the UFC has only eight men’s weight classes.
Joe Rogan wants Jon Jones on the White House card.https://t.co/HvQGnH5YxR#ufcnews #mmanews #ufc #mma #JoeRogan #DanaWhite #JonJones pic.twitter.com/ApQwnyj3fM
— Sports Condensed UFC (@ufccondensed) December 10, 2025
“First of all, there are only eight weight classes, so how’s there going to be nine title fights?” Rogan said. He joked about Trump’s enthusiasm for the event.
The UFC does have 11 total weight classes when including three women’s divisions. There is also the ceremonial BMF belt. Still, Rogan questioned whether so many title fights on one card was practical.
The Jon Jones Debate
Rogan’s main concern centers on Jon Jones’ potential absence from the event. The former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion has actively campaigned for a spot since the announcement. Jones even reversed a brief retirement to pursue the opportunity.
“If they don’t do Jon Jones at the White House, I think it would be a travesty,” Rogan said. He emphasized his belief that Jones belongs on the card.
Dana White has taken a different stance. The UFC CEO has repeatedly dismissed Jones’ attempts to secure a fight at the event. White has cited concerns about Jones’ reliability based on past issues.
“Dana’s like, ‘You can’t count on him,'” Rogan said. “You can count on him. At the White House? Come on!”
Rogan originally agreed with White’s assessment of Jones. He has since changed his mind. He now supports Jones fighting Alex Pereira at the Washington D.C. event.
Competition for Limited Spots
Jones faces stiff competition for placement on the card. Multiple champions and high-profile fighters have publicly expressed interest in competing at the historic venue.
Joe Rogan pleads with Dana White to allow Jon Jones to fight on the White House card 🐐 pic.twitter.com/A9tA0Iun8a
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 10, 2025
Islam Makhachev has emerged as a potential participant. Kayla Harrison has also lobbied for inclusion. Conor McGregor’s name has come up in discussions about possible matchups.
The symbolic value of competing at the White House has attracted widespread interest. With numerous elite fighters seeking limited slots, the competition remains intense.
Weather and Security Concerns
Rogan also raised concerns about the practical challenges of the outdoor event. He noted the security protocols and additional pressure fighters would face.
“A lot of weird pressure, too,” Rogan said. “Because it’s like, all the security and protocols, all that extra shit in your mind before you have to go out there and fight.”
Weather conditions present another variable. June temperatures in Washington D.C. can reach high levels. Heat and humidity could affect fighter performance.
“What if it’s 98 degrees outside?” Rogan asked. “D.C. gets hot in the summer!”
The event organizers may need to consider a roof structure. However, heat would still be a factor for fighters preparing for competition.
No fights have been officially confirmed for the June 14 event. The UFC has not released details about which fighters will compete. Bout announcements remain pending as fighters continue their campaigns for inclusion.
