Donald Trump Co-Signed Dana White’s Rumored White House Plan Publicly Dissed by Legend Kamaru Usman

US President Donald Trump's wish to have 8-9 title fights on the UFC White House card gets flamed by welterweight veteran Kamaru Usman.

Donald Trump Co-Signed Dana White’s Rumored White House Plan Publicly Dissed by Legend Kamaru Usman

Kamaru Usman denies Donald Trump's plans for UFC White House (via SCMP, RNZ)

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The UFC White House event has become one of the most anticipated cards on the 2026 UFC calendar. While no fights have been announced, US President Donald Trump recently suggested the card could feature eight or nine title bouts. That idea seems unrealistic, as scheduling so many championship fights would disrupt the UFC’s schedule. Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman has echoed those concerns.

The event was announced by the President during a rally in Iowa to mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence in 2026. Since that moment, UFC CEO Dana White has continued to provide updates on how the landmark card is taking shape. White has emphasized that the White House will be treated as a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle and confirmed plans for an entire week of UFC-related events.

Trump recently spoke at the 48th Kennedy Center Honors Gala about hosting eight to nine title fights at UFC White House. The US President also claimed the UFC was holding back big fights for this event. Usman recently explained why scheduling so many title fights is not feasible and may leave fans bored as champions look to defend their titles while younger contenders are hungry for violence.

So right there, it’s kind of there’s an asterisk by it. Then they’re talking this six, seven title fights. First and foremost, pardon my French, but who the f**k wants to watch seven title fights back to back? Five-round title fights back to back to back? What if four or five or six in a row are boring? I think it’s a bad idea. Honestly, I might be asleep by title fight 3.

Kamar Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast

Trump has often referred to Usman as one of his favorite fighters and publicly recognized the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ during his title reign. Usman established himself as a dominant welterweight champion through multiple high-profile title defenses. The praise stood out because it came during a heated rivalry with Colby Covington. That rivalry was politically charged, as Covington was a vocal MAGA supporter.

Several voices in the MMA community, including Daniel Cormier, have noted the lack of American champions across the UFC. That absence affects the symbolic weight of a White House card tied to a national celebration. Currently, the only American titleholder is women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, who is set to defend her belt against UFC legend Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in January.

Kamaru Usman is now in the latter stage of his career and has become outspoken through his Pound-for-Pound podcast alongside Henry Cejudo. The former champions regularly discuss matchmaking and promotion decisions. Usman is also being positioned as the first challenger for the new welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev. A fight of that magnitude would be a natural fit for a UFC White House event.

Kamaru Usman makes his pick for a potential wrestling match between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones

The rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was one of the most intense in UFC history, spanning two highly anticipated fights. Jones won the first encounter by knockout, though the result was later overturned due to a positive drug test. Their rematch ended with Jones winning via unanimous decision. The controversy surrounding Jones’s failed test added to the debate over the legitimacy of his victories.

Kamaru Usman talks about becoming a double champion
Kamaru Usman (via X)

Years after their last fight, Jones and DC have reignited their rivalry through a new MMA reality project in 2026. The renewed spotlight has reminded fans of their intense competition and unfinished business. Ideas for a potential third encounter, including a pure wrestling match, have circulated. That context led Kamaru Usman to recently share his thoughts on how a wrestling bout between the two would play out.

I’ve watched Jon Jones decide, ‘I’m gonna wrestle,’ and when he decided to wrestle, he made people look bad. This man is just a freak athletic talent.

Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound podcast

Kamaru Usman has remained neutral in the ongoing Jones–Cormier discussion, citing his shared history with both fighters. He has trained and competed alongside athletes from multiple divisions, giving him perspective on their abilities. Throughout his career, Kamaru Usman has consistently maintained respect for both Jones and Cormier. His approach highlights the professionalism and sportsmanship he values.

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