Mexican Star Brandon Moreno Snaps After Posed With White House UFC Event Question

Former UFC flyweight champion, Brandon Moreno, talks about the upcoming White House event.

Mexican Star Brandon Moreno Snaps After Posed With White House UFC Event Question

Brandon Moreno has no interest in fighting at the UFC White House event (via X)

In Short
  • Brandon Moreno has no interest in competing at the UFC White House event, citing personal reasons.
  • Several fighters, including Sean Strickland and Colby Covington, have also expressed reluctance to participate.
  • The UFC has invested over $60 million in the event, with June 14th confirmed as the final date.

The upcoming UFC White House event stands as one of the most hyped fight cards in recent memory. For CEO Dana White, this card carries special significance because of his longstanding friendship with President Donald Trump. Designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the spectacle blends sports, politics, and national pride.

Despite the grandeur and historical backdrop, several fighters have openly expressed limited interest in competing there. Brandon Moreno is scheduled to face Lone’er Kavanagh at UFC Mexico, and recently addressed White House rumors about potential participation. The Mexican immediately dismissed speculation stating he has no interest in competing at the historic event in Washington DC.

Brother, I want you to tell me why I would want to be there. For what? I’m not interested. Thank you very much.

Brandon Moreno via UFC Mexico Media Day 

Brandon Moreno has always been extremely passionate about his Mexican heritage and is proud to be the first Mexican-born UFC champion. The current political climate in the United States has experienced several intense ICE and immigration debates. Such circumstances could explain why Moreno holds a strict opinion regarding fighting at a White House event in Washington DC.

Meanwhile, fighters Sean Strickland and Colby Covington have publicly voiced strong support for ICE policies in America. Despite his patriotic personality, Strickland denied interest in competing at the proposed UFC White House event. Other notable figures, including Brandon Royval and Ronda Rousey, have similarly expressed reluctance about participating in the high-profile White House showcase.

Meanwhile, Khabib Nurmagomedov stated he does not want the welterweight king Islam Makhachev to fight at the event. However, Makhachev clarified that concerns relate more to potential distractions in the United States rather than political or personal motives.

Conversely, superstars like Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Alex Pereira have shown strong enthusiasm about competing there. According to reports, the UFC has invested over $60 million, nearly triple the spending for UFC Noche. Recently, there were reports that the event would face delays, but the UFC boss shut down the false rumors, confirming June 14th as the final date.

Dana White shares the blueprint to becoming a UFC star

UFC is the premier MMA promotion widely recognized for its powerful PR machine, consistently building global superstars. Icons such as Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, and Ronda Rousey represent some of the biggest examples of promotional success. With a new generation emerging, the organization continues backing select athletes, carefully aiming to craft the next superstar.

Dana White opens up about requirements to become a UFC star
Dana White opens up about requirements to become a UFC star (via X)

Former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and UK star Paddy Pimblett are prime beneficiaries of that calculated promotional push. Through Dana White’s Contender Series, the promotion scouts promising prospects and systematically molds them into marketable, recognizable international stars.

In a recent interview, Dana White explained in detail the single most important trait new fighters need for lasting success.

First and foremost, can you fight? Can you break into the top 10, top 5, top 3, and obviously can you be a world champion? You can be deaf-mute – if you can fight your ass off, people are going to love you. A lot of different things make people stars, but the No. 1 thing is: can you fight?

Dana White via UFC on TNT 

However, in contrast to Dana White, the UFC is often criticized for favoring outspoken, controversial personalities. Veterans like Colby Covington and Sean Strickland largely built careers around unapologetic trash-talking and unfiltered public personas.

Conversely, disciplined competitors such as Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, and Movsar Evloev struggled extensively before reaching title contention. Pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev once criticized the organization, claiming it relies heavily on fighters generating headlines independently.

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