(Video) UFC Brass React as They Face Major Hurdle After White House Fight Falls Out

UFC executives seem disappointed during the UFC 326 weigh ins after what seems to be the news of a White House event fight falling through.

(Video) UFC Brass React as They Face Major Hurdle After White House Fight Falls Out

UFC executives react to White House fights being cancelled (via X)

In Short
  • UFC's planned White House event faces setbacks as a previously confirmed fight has been canceled.
  • The event, tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary, is expected to cost nearly $60 million and feature a temporary 100,000-seat stadium.
  • Dana White is considering Francis Ngannou for the card amid concerns over Jon Jones' reliability and past issues.

The UFC White House event is being built up as one of the biggest spectacles in the promotion’s history. The historic card tied to the United States’ 250th anniversary has generated major buzz. UFC CEO Dana White has increased anticipation by delaying the announcement of the fight card. However, issues have already started to surface after White revealed that a previously confirmed fight has now fallen through.

The event was first announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during a rally in Ohio, where he revealed plans for a UFC card at the White House. The proposed June 14 date for the event also coincides with Trump’s 80th birthday. Since then, legendary fighters such as Jon Jones and Conor McGregor have vouched for a spot. White has since confirmed that the fight card is already set and will be revealed soon.

White was recently seen on popular journalist Nina Marie Danielle’s livestream during Power Slap 18 in Las Vegas. While answering viewers’ questions, the UFC head honcho appeared to receive a message indicating that a previously confirmed fight on the White House card had been cancelled.

Meanwhile, inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena during the UFC 326 ceremonial weigh-ins, UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell was seen whispering what appeared to be the news to matchmaker Sean Shelby. Campbell then appeared to relay the same to fellow matchmaker and Talent Relations Vice President Mick Maynard, who seemed visibly disappointed by the development.

This development could represent a major setback for the UFC as fights appear to be falling through prematurely for an event positioned as one of the biggest in the promotion’s history. The scale of the White House card has already drawn attention because of the financial commitment being planned by the promotion. Recent reports have suggested the event is building toward a budget of nearly $60 million.

White has reportedly spent around $700,000 to replace the South Lawn grass to accommodate the 25,000-pound octagon planned for the event. Meanwhile, President Trump has revealed plans to build a temporary 100,000-seat stadium on the White House South Lawn to host the fights. The scale of these preparations highlights the magnitude of the event and the expectations surrounding it.

Dana White recently posted a photo in front of his planning board where the fight card appeared to be covered. The only visible detail showed the event scheduled for June 14 under the name Freedom Fights 250. The board also hinted that the top two bouts could be championship fights. The UFC boss expects six fights on the card and is trying to add one more, which could make the recent cancellation a major complication.

UFC legend hints at Francis Ngannou’s return for the White House event

Francis Ngannou remains one of the most recognizable heavyweight names linked to the promotion despite leaving the UFC in 2023 after contract negotiations broke down. Following his departure, the Cameroonian knockout artist signed with the Professional Fighters League and pursued major boxing opportunities. However, his PFL contract has come to an end after a prolonged period of inactivity.

Francis Ngannou Dana White
Francis Ngannou and UFC CEO Dana White (via MMA Fighting)

Dana White has been vocal about not allowing Jon Jones on the White House card due to concerns about his past dependability issues. As the promotion works to finalize the lineup, uncertainty around Jones’ involvement remains a key topic. Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier suggested that opening discussions with Francis Ngannou could push Jones to take the opportunity more seriously.

Jon Jones gives you too many problems to get on the White House or it’s not working, Francis Ngannou’s on the market. You kind of pivot and go, ‘Well, Francis, can we get together and talk about maybe you fighting at the White House.’ That takes a little bit of that leverage from the Jones side.

Daniel Cormier via YouTube

It is also notable that Dana White does not share a strong relationship with Francis Ngannou. The UFC CEO recently blamed Ngannou for physically confronting him and Hunter Campbell in 2021 during a dispute over contractual negotiations. White has also emphasized that he would never work with the Cameroonian heavyweight again. That history makes Daniel Cormier’s suggestion particularly notable.

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