Sean O’Malley Reveals ‘Begging’ Dana White Behind The Scenes to be Part of UFC White House Event

Former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley highlights how much he had to struggle to gain a spot on UFC Freedom Fights 250.

Sean O’Malley Reveals ‘Begging’ Dana White Behind The Scenes to be Part of UFC White House Event

Sean O'Malley grateful for UFC White House spot (via SCMP, The Guardian)

In Short
  • Sean O'Malley expressed his eagerness to fight at the UFC White House event, even stating he would face anyone.
  • The event, named Freedom Fights 250, coincides with America's 250th Independence Day and President Trump's birthday.
  • O'Malley aims to rebuild his reputation after recent losses, with a significant matchup against rising contender Aiemann Zahabi.

The UFC White House event became one of the most anticipated cards in recent times. CEO Dana White’s revelation during the UFC 326 broadcast drew mixed reactions, with fans divided over the announcement. However, Sean O’Malley stands out as one of the most excited fighters, as he is set to face Aiemann Zahabi on the undercard of this historic event. The matchup adds star power to the preliminary lineup.

Once positioned to be one of UFC’s biggest stars, O’Malley’s reputation as a marketable fighter has taken a major hit in recent years. His championship fight losses to Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 306 and UFC 316 have significantly affected his standing in the bantamweight division. Despite these setbacks, he remains a recognizable name on the roster. The White House event offers him a chance to rebuild momentum.

The UFC White House event is set to mark America’s 250th Independence Day and is officially named Freedom Fights 250. Positioned as one of the biggest spectacles in UFC history, the card will feature top personalities on June 14, which also coincides with US President Donald Trump’s birthday. The unique timing and historic setting have made a spot on the undercard especially meaningful for O’Malley.

I told the UFC, ‘I would love to fight at the White House. I will fight anybody at the White House.’ I said I want to fight on the White House card. Please let me fight on the White House card. I don’t care who it is. t’s honestly hard to even wrap your head around. It doesn’t even feel like it’s reality, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Millions of people that might have never watched a fight are gonna see me because they’re watching the White House card.

Sean O’Malley via YouTube

After consecutive losses to Dvalishvili, O’Malley stepped away from the public eye and announced a break from fighting. However, he made a significant statement by defeating Song Yadong at UFC 324, the first UFC card on Paramount+. This victory revitalized his career and prevented him from considering early retirement. The win marked a major turning point, restoring momentum in his bantamweight journey.

‘Suga’ had been vocal for months about competing for the White House card. During that period, he also pointed to what he viewed as a lack of established superstars attached to the event. The bantamweight contender highlighted himself as one of the few recognizable names capable of elevating the card’s visibility. He also pushed for a potential rematch with the current champion, Petr Yan, at the historic show.

Aiemann Zahabi stands as O’Malley’s opponent for the White House card, emerging as a rising contender in the 135-pound division. Zahabi enters the matchup riding a seven-fight win streak and has built momentum with victories over Jose Aldo and Marlon Vera.

Across those bouts, the Canadian has showcased disciplined technique and toughness. The matchup represents a major test for Sean O’Malley at UFC White House.

Sean O’Malley was surprised by how hard the UFC worked to keep the White House event a secret

The UFC White House event, officially termed Freedom Fights 250, represents the promotion reaching a scale it has never attempted before. Reports of a $60 million budget highlight the magnitude of the historic card. The figure positions the show as the most expensive event in the promotion’s history. President Donald Trump also hinted at constructing a 100,000-seat stadium on the South Lawn.

Sean O'Malley talks about the UFC White House event
Sean O’Malley talks about the UFC White House event (via Bloody Elbow, X)

Many UFC fans speculated about which fighters would appear on the historic card as details remained limited early on. Some fighters believed legends such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones could return for the landmark event. However, those doubts were addressed once the promotion revealed the matchups. As the lineup was revealed at UFC 326, Sean O’Malley also spoke about the secrecy surrounding the card.

It’s crazy how secret that card is been. I knew about this literally like a week ago. I don’t even know who the main event is. I hit some inside people… nobody has said anything.

Sean O’Malley via his YouTube channel

O’Malley was also part of the UFC’s first and only fight card at the Las Vegas Sphere in 2024. He headlined the event (UFC 306) against Merab Dvalishvili during the promotion’s Mexican Independence Day celebration. That card marked one of the most unique venues in UFC history. Now, with a spot on the White House event, Sean O’Malley continues building a legacy tied to historic UFC spectacles.

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