With all signs pointing to a historic White House event next year, speculation on who may headline the event has been rampant online, with many fans highlighting names like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones as worthy of headlining such a monumental event. McGregor and Jones are undoubtedly two of the biggest stars the sport has ever produced, so it stands to reason that having one of them headline the card in July next year would generate huge buzz.
UFC President Dana White has weighed in on the potential for either Jones or McGregor to headline the event, hinting that he would trust McGregor more. Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, White said “He’s back but we’re not talking about fights for (Jones) right now.” White added “I trust Conor. Conor McGregor, unless he’s seriously injured, has always delivered. Jon – I’m a little more sceptical about.”
Both fighters have been pushing for the chance to fight at the White House. McGregor has not fought since July 2021, which seen him lose to Dustin Poirier via doctor’s stoppage, after he broke his leg. He was due to fight Michael Chandler last June but had to pull out of the fight due to a toe injury. McGregor recently returned to the drug testing pool at the start of the month, indicating that he is preparing to return to the UFC.
Despite retiring back in June, Jones has also indicated a willingness to return to the UFC, highlighting the White House event as a special moment in UFC history, and a motivating factor for any potential return. Jones also re-entered the drug testing pool recently, indicating that he is seriously considering returning for the White House event.
Whether Jones or McGregor headline the event or another name, it would stand to reason that perhaps the biggest moment in UFC history would require someone with huge star power to headline but with Jones and McGregor being somewhat unreliable as of recently, having either fighter headline the card would be a risk.
