UFC Plans Massive White House Event, with Possible McGregor Comeback

UFC CEO and president Dana White unveiled renderings of next year’s UFC White House event, promising to create a festival-like atmosphere for the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the USA.

White Talks About the Upcoming UFC White House Event

On September 19, White told Bret Baier on FOX News Channel’s Special Report that his vision for the event includes a large arch with a lighting grid, aiming to have the White House visible in the background. He explained that when the fight moves to the other side, the Washington Monument will be seen in the backdrop.

White told Baier that the area could accommodate up to 85,000 people. He said plans include a stage with live music and bands playing throughout the day, creating a festival-like atmosphere where attendees can bring blankets, relax, and watch the fights. He added that large screens would be set up across the venue to ensure visibility for everyone. According to White, the UFC intends to “take over Washington, D.C.” for the week, hosting weigh-ins, fan events, and its expo in the city as part of a full-scale promotional takeover.

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones May Also Be Involved

UFC stars such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, who had just retired from the sport when Trump made his announcement last July, have both expressed interest in participating in the event. McGregor remains a potential contender, though with the Irishman, it’s often unclear whether his statements signal a genuine return or are part of a branding strategy to promote his whiskey or raise his political profile in Ireland.

According to reports, the event was originally scheduled for July 4 but was rescheduled in June due to logistical issues. Weigh-ins are now expected to take place at the Lincoln Memorial.

White said he has been in regular communication with Conor McGregor and did not rule out the possibility of McGregor participating in the event. He stated that the UFC plans to build “the greatest card of all time” for the White House event. White added that he and McGregor have been speaking consistently and that McGregor is eager to be part of the card. According to White, reaching McGregor’s level of success requires finding new sources of motivation, and the White House event has clearly reignited that drive for him.

McGregor has not fought in the UFC Octagon since suffering a broken leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He was expected to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but withdrew weeks before the event due to a toe injury. McGregor has lost three of his last four UFC fights.