The UFC is considering having Conor McGregor or Jon Jones headline a unique fight event on the White House lawn for the United States’ 250th anniversary celebration on July 4, 2026. President Donald Trump initially proposed the idea in July, and both McGregor and Jones have expressed interest in participating in this landmark occasion.
Conor McGregor, widely regarded as the sport’s most popular figure, and Jon Jones, often viewed as one of its greatest fighters, are at the forefront of discussions about the card’s main event. However, the fighters come into the conversation under different circumstances: Jones recently retired in June but rejoined the drug testing pool shortly afterward, while McGregor has not competed in over four years and recently withdrew from a scheduled bout with Michael Chandler at UFC 303 due to a toe injury.
Dana White Shares His Views on McGregor and Jones for the White House Main Event
UFC President Dana White was recently asked about his confidence in either McGregor or Jones leading the historic fight card. White acknowledged that Jones is back under drug testing protocols but emphasized that no fight plans are currently in place for him. When questioned about who he would trust to headline the event, White expressed clear preference:
Conor McGregor has never, ever [pulled out of a fight] unless he is seriously injured,
White stated.
This guy has always delivered.
Jon, I’m a little more skeptical about,
White added, reflecting hesitation regarding Jones.
White’s caution stems from Jones’ recent performance trajectory, noting that Jones spent nearly 600 days postponing unification of the heavyweight title against interim champion Tom Aspinall. Instead, Jones chose to face 42-year-old Stipe Miocic in what turned out to be his retirement fight at UFC 309 in November, before officially retiring seven months later.
Current State of American UFC Champions Highlights Changing Landscape
Jon Jones was the last American male UFC champion, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history as the organization currently recognizes only one American titleholder. Ohio’s Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning women’s bantamweight UFC champion, holds that distinction after defeating Julianna Pena at UFC 316 in June.
Following her victory, Harrison presented the UFC belt to President Donald Trump while seated cageside, symbolizing her rising prominence. Beyond her UFC success, Harrison is also a PFL lightweight champion, positioning her as a key figure for the potential White House event. There has been talk of a superfight possibility involving Harrison and Amanda Nunes, which could become a significant draw for the 2026 celebration.
Significance of the White House UFC Event and Future Prospects
Staging a UFC event on the White House lawn would mark a historic intersection between mixed martial arts and national celebration, emphasizing the sport’s growing mainstream appeal. By considering marquee fighters like McGregor and Jones as headliners, UFC aims to create a memorable spectacle that resonates with both combat sports fans and the general public.
Given Dana White’s cautious optimism about McGregor’s reliability compared to Jones, the promotional lead-up to this event is likely to focus heavily on McGregor’s readiness and appeal. Meanwhile, Kayla Harrison’s potential involvement also highlights the UFC’s expanding champion roster and the sport’s evolving diversity.
With the event still more than two years away, fans and industry watchers alike will be closely monitoring the health and status of these athletes as plans continue to develop for this unprecedented celebration of both the sport and the nation’s milestone birthday.