TLDR
- Dana White confirmed the White House fight card matchmaking meeting begins this week, with fights finalized by the weekend
- White dismissed rumors of McGregor vs. Covington as ‘total BS’ on Instagram
- UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard is flying in specifically for the matchmaking session
- The June 14 event will feature six to seven fights with 3,000 to 4,000 live attendees on the White House South Lawn
- The card will broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, with additional viewing areas planned
Sources: MMA News | EssentiallySports | MMA Fighting | The Independent
UFC President Dana White confirmed that matchmaking for the historic White House fight card is underway, with fights expected to be finalized by this weekend. White made the announcement on Instagram while dismissing rumors about specific matchups for the June 14 event.
White responded directly to speculation about a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Colby Covington, calling the rumor “total BS.” An Instagram account had posted a mock-up image suggesting the two fighters could headline the White House card.
“White House matchmaking meeting is tomorrow,” White wrote in the comment section. “Mick Maynard flying in tomorrow for it. We will have fights dialed in by this weekend.”
Mick Maynard serves as one of the UFC’s lead matchmakers alongside Sean Shelby. White indicated that Maynard is traveling specifically for this matchmaking session.
Event Details and Size
The event is scheduled for the White House South Lawn on June 14. TKO CEO Ari Emanuel stated the card will feature approximately six to seven fights rather than a traditional full UFC lineup.
Emanuel said the live attendance will be between 3,000 and 4,000 people. The event will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, with additional viewing areas planned for those who cannot attend in person.
President Donald Trump had previously claimed the event would feature “eight or nine championship fights.” However, Emanuel’s more recent statement suggests a smaller number of bouts is more realistic.
The limited number of fights has sparked intense speculation about which fighters will make the card. Names like Jon Jones, Ilia Topuria, and the now-dismissed McGregor and Covington have been mentioned in rumors.
McGregor and Covington’s Recent History
McGregor has not fought since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier. The former dual-weight champion was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler in 2024 but withdrew on two weeks’ notice, citing a broken toe.
The Irish fighter, now 37, has competed in the UFC just four times since late 2016, going 1-3 in those bouts. He also boxed Floyd Mayweather in 2018, losing that match.
Covington, a former interim welterweight champion, has struggled in recent years with a 2-4 record since late 2019. His most recent fight was a stoppage loss to Joaquin Buckley in December 2024.
The 37-year-old American has publicly highlighted his friendship with President Trump in the past. However, his recent performance decline has raised questions about his placement on a high-profile card.
The UFC’s current schedule shows no champions defending divisional titles at upcoming events before the White House card. The only title fight scheduled is Max Holloway defending the “Baddest Motherf*****” belt against Charles Oliveira on March 7, though this is not a regular divisional title.
Only two title fights have occurred so far in 2026: an interim lightweight bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, and Alexander Volkanovski’s successful featherweight defense against Diego Lopes. A planned women’s bantamweight title fight between champion Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes was postponed due to Harrison’s injury.
White has remained tight-lipped about specific fighter involvement on the White House card. He has expressed concerns about Jon Jones’s reliability due to past legal issues and failed drug tests, while being non-committal about McGregor’s participation.
The matchmaking meeting is set to begin with Maynard’s arrival, with White promising that the full fight card will be completed by the end of this weekend.
