TLDR
- Dana White will begin matchmaking for the UFC White House card after Zuffa Boxing on January 23 and UFC 324 on January 24
- The event is scheduled for July 14 on the White House south lawn with approximately 5,000 attendees expected
- Jon Anik predicts 6-7 undisputed title fights while President Trump suggested 8-9 title bouts for the card
- Conor McGregor expects to fight Michael Chandler at the event, though neither fighter is officially confirmed
- White says the event is happening because Trump is a UFC fan, calling it “the biggest event in UFC history”
Sources: EssentiallySports | MMA Fighting | CBS Sports
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed when he will begin planning fights for the historic White House card scheduled for July 14. The matchmaking will start after two upcoming events later this month.
White told Stephen A. Smith on his podcast that he will begin booking the White House fights after Zuffa Boxing on January 23 and UFC 324 on January 24. Until those events are finished, the UFC has not planned any fights for the White House event.
“So I have Zuffa Boxing on 23rd of this month, the 24th is UFC and as soon as those two fights are over, I start working on the White House fight,” White said.
The event will take place on the south lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. Approximately 5,000 people are expected to attend the outdoor event.
Multiple Title Fights Expected
Lead UFC commentator Jon Anik has predicted the card could feature 6-7 undisputed title fights. President Donald Trump has claimed the event could include 8-9 title bouts.
White has called it “the biggest event in UFC history.” The UFC CEO said the event is happening because Trump is a UFC fan, comparing it to how past presidents favored other sports.
“When you think about sports, [George] Bush was a big baseball fan,” White said. “[Barack] Obama [loves] NBA. Trump is a UFC fan.”
Dana White reveals when he plans to start matchmaking UFC White House card: Almost every fighter on the entire UFC roster has asked to compete at the upcoming White House card in June but the actual matchmaking for the historic event… https://t.co/0juaBqHoYI #ytb #news #samurai pic.twitter.com/1KQqrjnA42
— @samuraijitsu (@samuraijitsu1) January 13, 2026
Only two undisputed champions currently have fights booked. Kayla Harrison will defend her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324, and Alexander Volkanovski will rematch Diego Lopes for the featherweight title at UFC 325.
Two other title fights are scheduled for March. Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will fight for the interim lightweight title, and Max Holloway will defend his “BMF” belt against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.
McGregor and Jones Among Potential Stars
Conor McGregor has built his return around competing at the White House. He has not fought since breaking his leg in 2021 against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor has rejoined the UFC’s anti-doping program and started his training camp. He has also stepped back from his business interests, including his role as co-owner of BKFC.
McGregor expects to fight Michael Chandler at the White House card. However, the UFC has not confirmed either fighter for the event.
Jon Jones has also been mentioned as a potential fighter for the card. Almost every fighter on the UFC roster has reportedly asked to compete at the White House event.
Experts predict the card will include multiple title fights, both undisputed championships and ceremonial belts like the BMF title. Some also expect legend fights that would appeal to casual fans.
The event is expected to attract a large audience, including many casual MMA fans. The unique venue at the White House makes it different from any previous UFC event.
White has the logistics in place for the outdoor event. The matchmaking process will begin in late January after the two scheduled events are completed.
