Who Will Appear On UFC White House Card?
UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that talks for the UFC White House event’s match-ups will launch this Monday, January 26, 2026.
This push follows the UFC 324 card on January 24, which serves as the promotion’s premier debut on Paramount+. The promotion is under immense pressure to deliver a lineup that justifies the historic venue and the 85,000-person viewing planned for The Ellipse. The June 14 event—which marks President Trump’s 80th birthday—is slated to air exclusively on Paramount+, with select preliminary bouts appearing on CBS. White expects the primary card to be completely “dialed in” by the second week of February.
“This Saturday, when the fights end. Usually every Tuesday we have matchmaking. We will be matchmaking Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday we’ll be match making the White House card as soon as that fight is done. I haven’t thought about it yet. We haven’t gotten that far. I said I wouldn’t touch this card until February. Now I think we’ll have it dialed in by the second week of February,” White said
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Despite Dana White recently downplaying McGregor vs. Chandler, McGregor remains the leading candidate to feature in the main event. McGregor has already publicly claimed he has “signed and delivered” for the White House event. McGregor is the only star with the cross-platform “gravity” to justify a 100,000-person spectacle (including the 85,000 at The Ellipse). His personal relationship with Donald Trump makes him the ideal name. If not Chandler, the UFC may look toward a trilogy with Nate Diaz.
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Pound-for-Pound number one Islam Makhachev is also a possibility. White has stated he wants to avoid making the event “too political,” emphasizing that it’s about the “best card possible.” A “Superfight” against Ilia Topuria or a rematch with Arman Tsarukyan would provide a mega bout that would no doubt go well with fans.
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Following their performances at UFC 324 (January 24), the winners of the Gaethje vs. Pimblett and O’Malley vs. Yadong bouts will likely be fast-tracked for this card. Pimblett is the UFC’s biggest European draw, and his “working-class hero” energy translates well to a massive public viewing at The Ellipse. O’Malley, the promotion’s most recognizable “Gen Z” star, is essential for Paramount+ to capture the younger demographic.
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