It’s a pretty easy logic: the biggest UFC card needs the biggest UFC stars. Yes, we’re talking about the proposed White House card for next year. Conor McGregor said with conviction that the deal was done and signed. After UFC 320, UFC CEO Dana White was quick to dismiss it. Does McGregor want to fight on the South Lawn? Yes. But no negotiations have started. And if it were up to Demetrious Johnson, he would not have names like McGregor anywhere near the Oval Office!

Initially, Jon Jones expressed interest in headlining the event following his surprise retirement announcement. Soon after, Conor McGregor entered the picture. He claimed that a deal had already been finalized for his long-awaited bout against Michael Chandler. However, UFC CEO Dana White has yet to confirm any official lineup for the event. At UFC 320 this past weekend, Alex Pereira threw his hat into the ring, hinting at a potential move to the heavyweight division to face Jones. So, why does UFC legend Demetrious Johnson not want this level of excitement? 

If not Conor McGregor or Jon Jones, then who? Demetrious Johnson’s thoughts

Speaking to The MMA Guru in his latest video, Johnson said, “I don’t like when someone’s sitting there iced, picking and choosing what they want to do. Maybe they earned that right, I don’t know—but the guys fighting their a–es off right now should get first dibs.” It should be noted that whoever headlines the event or becomes part of it will not only get more exposure, but possibly a hefty payday too.

UFC would want its biggest names to appear on the card to match the significance of the event. Through this lens, it makes sense for the promotion to employ someone like McGregor or Jones (or both), even though the latter’s relationship with White is strained at the moment. Regardless, Johnson feels neither fighter is needed for the card. “We don’t need Conor on the White House card. Even Jon Jones—as great as he is—shouldn’t get that spot over active fighters who are putting in the work,” he said during the video.

‘Mighty Mouse’s is advocating for meritocracy, which the UFC is a far cry from. But think back to a year ago. UFC 300. Yes, everyone expected a Conor McGregor return or Jon Jones to headline the card. But instead, we had Alex Pereira headline with fan favorites like Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje lighting up the undercard. The event was a huge success. And the White House could hold the same surprise.

You have active big names like Ilia Topuria, Alexander Volkanovski, Islam Makhachev, etc., who could all be available for the event next year. If all of them are holding their belts a year from now, the UFC could stack a card with multiple title fights. So, that does dim the chances a bit for McGregor and Jones.

Whether or not Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are needed for the card is up to the UFC. For now, Donald Trump has made an announcement for the card, giving us a confimation. 

Donald Trump reveals date for UFC White House card

The much-anticipated UFC PPV at the White House finally has an exact date—and it’s no longer tied to America’s Independence Day. Originally planned for July 4, UFC CEO Dana White’s celebratory event will now take place on June 14, 2026, a date that coincides with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

“On June 14 next year, we’re going to have a big UFC fight at the White House, right at the White House on the grounds,” Trump announced during a Navy anniversary celebration over the weekend. While he gave no reason for the change, the timing suggests a personal touch. The event is expected to air on CBS as part of a new $7.7 billion, seven-year broadcast agreement between UFC owner TKO Group and Paramount.

In the end, nothing has been written in stone quite yet. If the dates can change for the event, so can the headlining names. But who would you like to see atop the card?