UFC President Dana White has once again captured the attention of the combat sports world, confirming that the highly anticipated UFC White House card is officially entering the planning phase.
In a recent conversation with TMZ Sports, White offered the clearest update yet on what fans can expect from this historic event. This event is already being described as one of the most ambitious projects in UFC history.
The UFC has executed major global spectacles before, but hosting a card at the White House marks a new chapter for the promotion.
According to White, preparations will begin as soon as the action wraps up at UFC 324, underscoring the organization’s significance for 2026.
Below is a full breakdown of Dana White’s comments, what the timeline looks like, how UFC 324 influences the card, and what fans should realistically expect from this unprecedented event.
Work on the UFC White House Card Starts Immediately After UFC 324
Speaking to TMZ Sports ahead of UFC 324, Dana White revealed that matchmaking for the White House event will begin almost instantly once the weekend’s fights conclude.
This signals a rapid turnaround and shows how determined the UFC is to build a powerful lineup for the occasion.
White said:
“This Saturday, when the fights end. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, we’ll be matchmaking the White House event…”
This statement confirms that the UFC is not wasting any time. While planning for most major UFC cards takes weeks or even months, White is prioritizing this card by moving straight into matchmaking mode after UFC 324.
His comments indicate that after months of speculation, internal discussions, and early planning, the final stretch of building the card is now officially underway.
White Says He Hasn’t Thought About the Card Yet, But That’s About to Change
In a surprising admission, Dana White told TMZ Sports that he hasn’t deeply considered the lineup yet.
“I haven’t thought about it yet. We haven’t gotten that far. I said I wouldn’t touch this card till February. Now, I think we’ll have it dialed in by the second week of February.”
This reveals two important points:
1. January Was Not Part of the Planning Window
White intentionally delayed serious planning until February. This means that any rumours circulating throughout December and early January, including the names being thrown around online, were not part of actual matchmaking discussions.
2. A Clear Deadline Is Now Set
White expects the card to be “dialed in” by the second week of February, meaning fans should expect official announcements sometime between February 7 and 14.
This is the target window during which the first fights, headliners, and promotional material are likely to drop.
One of the Most Ambitious Events in UFC History
Dana White emphasized that the White House card will be unlike anything the UFC has attempted.
He said the event will be a milestone for the promotion, something that stands above even its biggest previous productions. This is a bold statement considering the UFC has:
- Hosted fights on Fight Island during the pandemic.
- Staged historic events at massive venues in Las Vegas.
- Delivered blockbuster cards like UFC 200, UFC 229, UFC 264, and countless international PPVs.
For White to say this card will reach a new level underscores how significant it is—not just for the UFC, but for combat sports as a whole.
The White House has never been the site of a UFC event, making this a moment of cultural importance, political connection, and global attention.
White Shuts Down Rumors Around Conor McGregor and Jorge Masvidal
Naturally, as with any major UFC event, fans have been busy speculating about which superstars might appear on the card. Names like:
- Conor McGregor
- Jorge Masvidal
- Nate Diaz
- Jon Jones
have circulated in discussions and early predictions. But Dana White quickly dismissed these rumors, saying that no names have been locked in and that the speculation is premature.
This is noteworthy because two of the most frequently mentioned stars—McGregor and Masvidal—have been linked to a potential return.
Conor McGregor
McGregor has voiced interest in fighting at the White House event, but his contract situation and recovery timeline remain complicated.
Jorge Masvidal
Masvidal has teased a comeback multiple times since announcing his retirement, but White made it clear that no such talks have taken place.
By shutting down early rumors, White has reset expectations and made it clear that the final matchmaking will only begin after UFC 324.
UFC 324 Sets the Stage: Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett Headlines
UFC 324, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, is already being positioned as a major moment in the 2026 UFC calendar.
Dana White said the momentum from UFC 324 will flow directly into building the White House card.
This suggests that the results, performances, and storylines from UFC 324 may influence which fighters end up receiving spots on the White House event.
Why UFC 324 Matters for the White House Card
- Fighters who deliver strong performances may secure spots.
- Rising stars could emerge from the card and earn high-profile matchups.
- Titles, rankings, and new rivalries may shape matchmaking decisions.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett itself is a fight loaded with implications. The winner could position themselves for a massive opportunity later in the year, possibly even on the White House card if the timing aligns.
A Defining Moment for the UFC in 2026
The White House card will not be just another event. According to White, it represents a cultural milestone, one that highlights how far the UFC has come since its early days.
From being once considered an underground sport to now hosting an event at one of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, the UFC’s growth has been extraordinary.
Why This Event Is So Important
- Global Visibility – The event will attract mainstream news coverage far beyond traditional sports outlets.
- Political Significance – Hosting a card at the White House places MMA at the center of American culture.
- Business Expansion – This could open doors for more international government partnerships and high-profile venues.
- Historical Spotlight – Fighters on this card will forever be part of a unique chapter in UFC history.
The UFC has always looked for ways to expand its global footprint. Hosting a card at the White House sends a message that MMA is not just a sport; it is now a major part of American entertainment, culture, and global influence.
What Fans Can Expect From the Event
While no fights are confirmed, and White has not given specific names, some expectations are realistic.
1. Multiple High-Level Contenders
Since this is a historic event, it’s likely the UFC will stack the card with:
- Former champions
- Top-10 ranked fighters
- Popular fan favorites
2. A Possible Title Fight
While White hasn’t hinted at titles, the magnitude of the event suggests that at least one championship bout is possible.
3. Big Names, Even If Not McGregor
Even though White denied early rumors, other stars may still be in play depending on availability.
Names like:
- Alex Pereira
- Islam Makhachev
- Sean O’Malley
- Khamzat Chimaev
- Leon Edwards
- Max Holloway
could realistically headline or co-headline given the scale of the event.
4. Storyline-Driven Matchups
The UFC may look for rivalries, rematches, or stylistic clashes that create immediate buzz.
Planning Timeline: From Now to Early February
Here is the timeline as confirmed by White:
Immediately After UFC 324
Matchmaking begins Monday–Wednesday.
Early February
The UFC will finalize the full card.
Second Week of February
White expects the entire lineup to be locked in.
After Mid-February
- Promotional trailers
- Press conferences
- Official poster releases
- Ticket announcements
- Embedded footage
- Countdown content
By late February and March, the White House card will be in full promotional swing.
UFC’s Momentum Heading Into the White House Event
The UFC has been riding strong momentum over the past several years, breaking records with PPVs, viewership numbers, and global expansion.
UFC 306 in Las Vegas set a new benchmark for production quality, and the promotion delivered blockbuster cards throughout 2025 and the start of 2026.
The White House card now becomes the centerpiece of this trajectory.
Dana White’s comments make it clear that UFC 324 will be the fuel that powers the next couple of months of planning.
Once Gaethje and Pimblett close out UFC 324, the focus instantly shifts to building the lineup that will define the UFC’s direction for the rest of 2026.
Conclusion
Dana White’s interview with TMZ Sports has finally provided concrete clarity on the UFC White House card. While he hasn’t settled on matchups yet, the timeline is now firmly in motion.
Matchmaking begins right after UFC 324, and the final lineup is expected to be locked in by the second week of February.
The card is being positioned as one of the biggest milestones in UFC history, an event that goes beyond athletics and enters the realm of cultural significance.
With the UFC’s momentum at an all-time high and the promotion preparing to deliver something unprecedented, fans worldwide can expect months of excitement leading into what may become the defining UFC event of 2026.
As the planning phase officially begins, all eyes are now on Dana White and the UFC matchmaking team to see which fighters will be chosen for this historic moment.