We are slowly closing in on the historic UFC White House event, now scheduled for June 2026 instead of July 4. Dana White explained that the date was moved because “the president didn’t realize how stacked his schedule is on July 4th; he’s going to be in like three different states that day.” While the fight card is yet to be confirmed, White has promised a lineup for the ages. In typical fashion, Conor McGregor has fueled anticipation by making bold claims, including talk of a $100 million payday and 100 golden visas.

In the buildup, the UFC CEO has unveiled renderings showing how the South Lawn will look when transformed for the spectacle. White also confirmed to SBJ that the promotion is working through the event’s costs. According to Adam Stern’s report, UFC President Dana White confirmed that the promotion will spend $700,000 just to replace the South Lawn grass after next year’s White House fight card. This is only one example of the costs UFC will face for the unprecedented event. For comparison, the promotion had already spent about $20 million to set up Noche UFC at the Sphere in 2024, though the exact budget for the White House card has not been revealed.

The 56-year-old, who admitted he prefers indoor arenas, told SBJ this will be UFC’s toughest event yet. “There is no doubt about it, this is going to be the most challenging event we have ever done,” he said, adding that he dislikes both stadiums and outdoor venues. He noted they managed the Sphere and Allegiant Stadium before, but the White House card is on another level. Joking about the cost, he added, “To replace the grass, because we’re going to f— up the South Lawn, $700,000 just to replace the grass.”

In case you missed it, early renderings of the setup revealed UFC plans to construct a massive arch above the Octagon, lined with lighting systems. Interestingly, White compared it to the St. Louis Arch, explaining that it would provide clear camera shots of the White House while accommodating 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. In addition, weigh-ins are scheduled for the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, with UFC also preparing fan events around Washington, D.C., ahead of fight night. So while the White House card is shaping up to be an electrifying spectacle, there’s growing doubt over whether Conor McGregor will actually compete.

Conor McGregor drops BKFC hint 

In a recent interview with DAZN, Conor McGregor praised the rise of BKFC, calling it global and hinting at crossovers with WWE after introducing his latest heavyweight signing. “Everyone wants to do it. I want to do it. I own the thing, and I want to do it,” McGregor said, making it clear he sees himself stepping into bare-knuckle fighting, eventually. DAZN fueled the hype further, posting, “We NEED to see @thenotoriousmma compete in the squared circle.”

BKFC president David Feldman also added fuel to the speculation. He said that if ‘The Notorious’ fights and wins at the UFC White House card, then a move to BKFC is highly likely. “If that happens, then I would bet 100 percent he’ll fight for BKFC. Why wouldn’t he?” Feldman said, showing strong confidence that McGregor’s involvement is more than just talk.

For McGregor, the crossover makes financial sense. BKFC has grown into a global brand, and his stake in the promotion gives him added incentive to fight under its banner. Still, his immediate focus remains on preparing for the UFC White House card, where his long-discussed clash with Michael Chandler could finally materialize.

With one foot in UFC and another in BKFC, McGregor is keeping all options wide open. That said, do you think the UFC White House card will live up to its billing as the toughest and most historic event in UFC history? And with Conor McGregor teasing both a UFC comeback and a BKFC debut, where would you rather see him fight first?