The UFC president has accelerated matchmaking plans for the promotion’s most ambitious event of 2026. Dana White has revealed that preparations for the UFC’s historic White House event are moving faster than originally planned.
The UFC president has accelerated matchmaking plans for the promotion’s most ambitious event of 2026.
Dana White has revealed that preparations for the UFC’s historic White House event are moving faster than originally planned. What was already billed as a once-in-a-lifetime card now appears set to take shape weeks earlier than fans were anticipating.
The landmark event is scheduled for June 14, with the UFC set to stage a fight card at the White House for the first time. While White had previously suggested matchmaking would not begin until February, he has now confirmed a much more aggressive timeline.
White brings forward matchmaking for White House event
Speaking ahead of UFC 324, Dana White explained that work on the White House card will begin immediately after the promotion’s first event of 2026. The January show is set to be headlined by an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett.
White outlined that the UFC’s regular matchmaking meetings will be expanded in the days following UFC 324, with the White House card becoming an immediate priority. Rather than waiting until February, he now expects the majority of the lineup to be settled by the second week of that month, significantly earlier than first indicated.
McGregor vs Masvidal rumours dismissed by White
Alongside the updated timeline, White also addressed speculation surrounding potential fights for the White House card. Rumours linking Conor McGregor with a comeback bout against Jorge Masvidal have circulated in recent weeks, particularly after plans for McGregor to face Michael Chandler were shelved.
White was quick to shut down the idea, dismissing the proposed matchup outright and suggesting that much of what circulates online bears little resemblance to the UFC’s actual plans. He reiterated that internet speculation rarely aligns with the organisation’s internal discussions, making it clear that McGregor vs Masvidal is not under consideration.
With matchmaking now set to begin earlier than expected and rumours being firmly addressed, attention will quickly turn to which fighters ultimately earn a place on one of the most high-profile cards in UFC history.
Category: General Sports
