Dana White recently addressed the possibility of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones possibly headlining the UFC’s historic White House card. Set for Jul. 4, 2026, the card will mark America’s 250th anniversary. The UFC CEO revealed he will be meeting with President Donald Trump in the coming weeks to further discuss.
Both McGregor and Jones have publicly shown interest. They made it clear what it would mean to fight at such a symbolic venue. Still, the final card won’t be decided for some time.
McGregor, 37, hasn’t fought since UFC 264 in 2021. That fight ended in disaster, as he suffered a gruesome injury during his loss to Dustin Poirier. Despite his five year absence, ‘The Notorious’ remains eager to return.
During an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, White spoke candidly about both McGregor and Jones. He praised ‘The Notorious’ reliability and didn’t shy away from expressing doubts about the former pound-for-pound king.
While both fighters have expressed interest, White made it clear that he is more confident with McGregor.
“I trust Conor [McGregor],” White said. “McGregor has never –unless he seriously injured–this guy has always delivered. Jon [Jones], I’m a little more skeptical about.”
Jones recently re-entered the testing pool after previously announcing his retirement. That move opens the door for a potential comeback, but no matchups are in the works.
“[Jones] already came back. He already put himself back in the testing pool, saying he wants to fight at the White House,” White said. “He’s back, but we’re not talking about fights for him right now.”
Dana White Originally Revealed Jon Jones Would Be Ideal White House Headliner
Despite having more trust in McGregor, White previously said Jones would be his top choice for the main event. That fight, ideally, would be a heavyweight title clash against Tom Aspinall.
White spent much of the last year trying to make Jones vs. Aspinall happen. Reports suggested that White was even willing to meet Jones’ financial demands. Just when it seemed close, ‘Bones’ retired and vacated his title.
Speaking with FULL SEND PODCAST, White revealed Jones vs. Aspinall would be his ideal White House headliner.
“The dream main event right now would be Aspinall versus Jones.”
Though the fight is no longer imminent, the door isn’t shut. At the time, White also didn’t rule out both Jones and McGregor competing on the same card.
“Could be,” White said, when asked about the possibility.
Conor McGregor Hints at White House Appearance, Fight or Not
McGregor recently hinted that he’ll attend the White House event regardless of whether or not he fights. He shared a statement on social media that framed the event as more that just a Fourth of July celebration. For the Irishman, it’s about symbolic presence.
Even if he doesn’t compete, McGregor says he plans to represent Ireland on the world stage.
“Ringside at the @ufc White House event, displaying Ireland’s strength, courage, skill, and determination, directly in front of our American counterparts,” McGregor wrote. “Ireland, together in unison at the world’s biggest fighting event live from the White House lawn!”
Despite the UFC shifting away from pay-per-view, McGregor’s star power could deliver a stronger TV rating on CBS.
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