Dana White Hints at Donald Trump’s Favorite Fighter Derrick Lewis Being on White House Card 

UFC CEO Dana White may have indirectly confirmed Derrick Lewis as the first fighter to fight on the UFC White House card in 2026.

Dana White Hints at Donald Trump’s Favorite Fighter Derrick Lewis Being on White House Card 

Dana White terms Derrick Lewis as Donald Trump's favorite fighter (via MMA Fighting)

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The upcoming UFC White House event stands as one of the most unique settings in promotional history, drawing interest from active and retired fighters across multiple divisions. With no finalized lineup yet, competition for a slot on the 2026 card has intensified. Recent indications from UFC CEO Dana White suggest veteran heavyweight Derrick Lewis may become the first potential name attached to the event.

Several elite fighters, including Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Michael Chandler, are pushing for a place on the historic card. White has stated that formal matchmaking will not begin until February 2026. For now, the organization has only finalized the overall event design and the extended fight week that will lead into the White House showcase in Washington, D.C.

During the UFC 323 post-fight press conference, White fielded questions regarding the logistical side of the new UFC-Paramount+ partnership. One reporter raised concerns about how the platform would handle Lewis’s unpredictable post-fight moments. White hilariously addressed the topic while reiterating the event’s scale and the preparation underway for its broadcast demands.

Is the White House ready for Derrick Lewis? President Trump loves Derrick Lewis, loves Derrick Lewis. He hasn’t told me to do anything, but he will not stop talking about Derrick Lewis so. This is a big fight for Derrick coming up.

Dana White via UFC 323 post fight presser

U.S. President Donald Trump remains a consistent supporter of the UFC and frequently attends major events. His connection to the promotion has strengthened the visibility of fighters who resonate with audiences, including Lewis. The heavyweight’s popularity with Trump may further boost his chances of appearing on the White House card.

Lewis has long been one of the UFC’s most entertaining personalities, especially in his post-fight interviews. His “my balls was hot” moment after beating Alexander Volkov became one of the sport’s most replayed clips. He also went viral for calling out Daniel Cormier and joking about needing to take a bathroom break mid-interview. These iconic moments cemented his reputation as an entertainer.

Lewis has defeated notable opponents such as Curtis Blaydes, Tallison Teixeira, and Francis Ngannou, further reinforcing his standing in the heavyweight division. His resume continues to shape his relevance as he moves into the later phase of his career. He is now scheduled to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta at UFC 324, marking the first event to air on Paramount+.

In recent days, Lewis joked about his phone being monitored when asked about a potential matchup with Jon Jones at the event. His lighthearted comments reflect the growing anticipation surrounding his involvement. As preparations continue, both Derrick Lewis and Dana White remain central figures in shaping what may become one of the UFC’s most notable cards.

Dana White reveals his contract expansion as UFC CEO

Dana White’s previous long-term agreement carried over from the period before UFC merged with WWE to form TKO Group Holdings in 2023. Following the merger, he continued operating as UFC CEO under the restructured company, maintaining control of event operations and global expansion. His prior deal ran through the early post-TKO years, keeping him in place during major scheduling and broadcast shifts.

Dana White
Dana White (via The US Sun)

The new contract news surfaced after White was asked directly about his status during the UFC 323 post-fight press conference. When questioned by a reporter about his future under TKO, he clarified that a new agreement had already been finalized. That moment effectively revealed the extension and confirmed that he would remain UFC CEO for five more years.

This announcement also comes at a time when Dana White, now 56, has been the subject of frequent discussions about a potential successor within TKO. Speculation swirled over who might eventually take over the UFC’s top role as the organization continued to expand. With this new five-year extension, those succession talks effectively slow down, reinforcing White’s position at the helm of the UFC.

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