Dana White has already set incredibly high expectations for the UFC’s White House event in 2026.
White claimed it will be “the best card we’ve ever done” but with nearly a full year until the planned card, a lot of things are going to change in the sport before it takes shape.
For this reason, the UFC CEO was hesitant to commit to naming potential candidates who could appear at the event, though he did seemingly cross one star off the list.
White said that Jon Jones would be too risky of a headliner for Independence Day because of the potential risk that he presents based on previous issues.
While Jones still believes that he could be in the running for a return on this card, there are several other options who could be available.
4. Kayla Harrison
While Merab Dvalishvili also believes that he’s eligible as a US citizen, Kayla Harrison is the only American-born UFC champion on the roster right now.
Harrison certainly brings a star quality to the table and as a former two-time Olympic gold medallist in judo, she has the pedigree.
The biggest issue with pencilling the bantamweight champion into this slot at this moment in time is predicting a potential opponent.
She’s set for one of the biggest women’s title fights that the promotion has ever put together when she welcomes Amanda Nunes back to the Octagon.
Outside of delaying this fight until then, or having them meet in a rematch, there isn’t another big matchup that jumps off the page for Harrison right now.
The champion seems to be wanting to compete sooner rather than later, with Dana White being asked about making an exception for Nunes, so unless the UFC decides to work with Cris Cyborg again, Harrison being the main event against anyone other than ‘The Lioness’ may feel underwhelming.
3. Justin Gaethje
There are a few American stars on the roster who by this time next year, could find themselves in position for fights that are big enough to headline this card.
Justin Gaethje may be frustrated with the UFC at this time but if he can hold off on retiring for another year, this would be a huge way for ‘The Highlight’ to go out.
With Gaethje, you have literally the most reliable fighter in UFC history when it comes to putting on great fights, and that will help the UFC, knowing that the card will end with a bang.
One thing to consider is that the UFC might not want to risk the event ending with a non-American coming out on top, which would be solved by the next pick, or by having Gaethje fight one of them.
2. Jorge Masvidal (& Nate Diaz)
Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz are occupying the same spot here, though ‘Gamebred’ takes a slight edge due to his relationship with President Donald Trump.
The reason that both names are at number two is because whichever fight you put one of them into, whether it’s a BMF title fight or a matchup with the top name on the list, the other one would also suit.
There’s of course another option of having Masvidal vs Diaz face one another in a rematch of their inaugural BMF title fight at UFC 244, or their trilogy bout if you factor in their boxing clash from last year.
They’re two big names who the UFC could bring back to the Octagon, and similarly to Gaethje, you know they’re going to put on a show and not end the biggest event in the promotion’s history on a muted note.
1. Conor McGregor
The biggest star in the sport is such an obvious pick to headline this event that if he’s physically able to, there’s almost no question.
Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in four years at this stage but that didn’t stop him from immediately registering his interest.
‘The Notorious’ even claimed, similarly to Jon Jones, that it would give him the motivation he needs to take a return seriously following his failed attempt at a comeback last year.
Having McGregor back in the testing pool and in shape makes the UFC’s job a bit easier because you could frankly match him against any fighter on the roster and it will generate a huge amount of interest.
Three of the names mentioned on this list, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal and Justin Gaethje, all work as potential opponents.
As would the likes of Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, not to mention Michael Chandler who is likely to already have the date circled in his calendar after years of waiting for his fight with ‘The Notorious’.