Islam Makhachev’s dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 not only crowned him the new welterweight champion but also pushed him deeper into the GOAT conversation. With two divisional titles now under his name and the longest winning streak in UFC history alongside Anderson Silva, his masterful showing inside a packed Madison Square Garden reminded fans why he belongs in discussions alongside the GOATs of the sport. The night took an even bigger turn moments after the fight.

During his post-fight interview, Islam Makhachev publicly urged POTUS to “open the White House,” signaling that he is ready to face Ilia Topuria in what he believes could be the biggest fight in UFC history. After the fight, Topuria quickly fired back, labeling Makhachev the “most boring” fighter in the sport and challenging him to a showdown. Makhachev did not brush off the jab. Instead, he answered with a calm smile during the post-fight press conference, making it clear he is more than ready for whatever comes next: “No injury, nothing, nothing. I do not feel any pain, no injury. I am ready. Who is gonna be next? I will make it easy. And today, JDM is one of the best in the game, one of the hardest opponents.” During the post-event press conference, UFC CEO Dana White weighed in, revealing whether they could feature in next year’s highly anticipated White House card.

Will Islam Makhachev be part of the UFC White House event in 2026?

Even before Islam Makhachev met the media, talk had already shifted toward a potential clash with Topuria at the UFC White House event scheduled for next year on Donald Trump’s birthday. When asked about the possibility, Dana White showed no hesitation and expressed a strong interest. “Would you like to put a non-American main event on that card?” Dana replied, “Yes, it’s not ‘America versus the world,’ it’s ‘What’s the best card we can put together’… We’re talking about him possibly, GOAT talk here, depending on what he (Islam Makhachev) does in his next couple of fights—it’s a possibility.”

Dana White’s remarks immediately shifted the spotlight to the UFC’s biggest names, bringing up possibilities involving Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Alex Pereira. The MMA community is sharply divided. One group is pushing for the blockbuster matchup between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria to headline the White House event, while others are calling for the long-awaited heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones.

Amid the growing debate, UFC legend Georges St-Pierre has stepped forward with his own perspective.

GSP advocates for Makhachev and Jon Jones to share the spotlight at UFC White House

UFC CEO Dana White now faces a major dilemma in choosing between the two top fighters. Critics have targeted him since last year for favoring Jon Jones over Islam Makhachev for the pound-for-pound No. 1 spot in the GOAT debate. Jones’ retirement has intensified the scrutiny, especially after fans expressed disappointment that he never fought Tom Aspinall, despite White’s earlier assurances. With just one PPV left in 2025, the MMA world is already turning its attention to next year’s UFC White House event..

Although the official bouts for the card have yet to be announced, UFC legend Georges St-Pierre recently spoke to The Schmo in New York City during UFC 322, turning his attention to the 2026 White House event. St-Pierre expressed support for Jon Jones’ desire to be included on the card, despite the UFC president’s prior rejection. He also shared his thoughts on a potential Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria matchup, noting that he’d like to see the fight regardless of how Islam Makhachev performs in his 170-pound debut at UFC 322.

“It would be fun to see Jon Jones come back,” St-Pierre said. “I think it’s an interesting fight (against Pereira), especially at the White House. That would be great. That’s one of the fights I would like to see. I would like to see the rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. That was an amazing fight until that eye poke happened. And I would like to see, perhaps if Islam Makhachev wins or even if he doesn’t win Saturday, I would like to see him fight Ilia Topuria,” he added.

What do you think of GSP’s verdict? Could having two blockbuster fights on the same night at the UFC White House event, and even adding a Conor McGregor bout, actually work? Share your thoughts below.