With only two months remaining, the UFC looks forward to starting its massive $7.7 billion Paramount+ CBS era in 2026. And while Dana White and company have been envisioning a grand start to the year, they’ve also been juggling ideas for their flagship White House event. So far, Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have been the frontrunners to headline the card. But with a considerable amount of time left, many changes could still happen. And now, it seems the CEO has to alert the company’s biggest stars a little earlier than expected.

At first, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced the UFC White House card would take place on July 4th, to honor America’s 250th Independence Day. Then, the POTUS shifted the still-unofficial event’s date to June 14 — his 80th birthday — while keeping the venue at the South Lawn. And now, another major shift is expected, as the promotion’s grandest card ever could happen even earlier.

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones on alert as UFC White House could happen sooner 

Business entertainment media network Variety posted on X, “Sources say Trump has greenlit plans to host one of the first UFC fights under Paramount’s $7.7 billion deal with the MMA league on the lawn of the White House. Trump and UFC CEO Dana White are spearheading the telecast. The discussed date is June 14, 2026 — which coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday — but some sources say it could happen sooner.”

Well, that’s definitely good news that the POTUS has given the green light to Dana White and company to conduct the event even sooner. However, they didn’t hint at any specific date or reveal how much earlier the event could happen. Still, a White House spokesperson assured that the theme of the event would remain a celebration of American Independence Day, despite the earlier date.

Variety’s X post further added, “White House spokesperson Anna Kelly says the fight will be ‘a spectacular event’ that will ‘celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great country.’” Now, as the event seems to be right around the corner, Conor McGregor might have to cut short his six-month recovery, while Jon Jones could start pitching Dana White that he wants to headline the card.

The Irishman had boldly claimed that the fight was all done, a claim that White had to debunk. The CEO made it clear that there were several logistical hurdles to be cleared before even thinking about the fight card. According to White, the matchmakers will likely start working on the White House bout order in February 2026 or a little after.

That said, it’s fair to say that ‘The Notorious’ will definitely receive a call from the UFC CEO as soon as they finalize the official dates and other key details. But in ‘Bones’ case, things might be a little trickier, though he’s still trying to pitch himself for the White House event. 

‘Bones’ assures Dana White of fighting at the White House  

Dana White has always held Jon Jones in high regard, calling him the greatest UFC fighter of all time. But while the UFC CEO still stands by ‘Bones’ as the GOAT, he’s reportedly not so sure about having him headline the event. The reason? Although White hasn’t said it outright, it’s safe to assume he’s still unhappy with how the Tom Aspinall fight fell apart. Because of that, the head honcho probably believes Jones might not be reliable enough to front such a massive card.

In a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, White made it clear that he trusts Conor McGregor more than Jones with the White House event, which further hints that the UFC boss and ‘Bones’ relationship isn’t as smooth as it once was. How deep those cracks run, we’ll only know when the promotion finally decides what to do with the card. Still, the former heavyweight champion isn’t missing any opportunity to convince White that he’s ready.

Jon Jones told The Schmo at the DBX4 event, “I really hope it happens. Dana, please, bro. Please! I’m training, I feel great, I’m healthy. I’d be so honored to represent our country and do what I do best.” As the former champ once again pleaded with the UFC CEO to let him perform in front of the American audience at UFC White House, it’ll be interesting to see what direction the promotion takes with its greatest fighter ever.

That said, as the UFC White House card moves closer, who do you think deserves the headliner spot? Jones or McGregor? Or maybe someone else entirely? Let us know in the comments below.