UFC Matchmakers Convene for Historic White House Event Planning

The UFC's top brass gathered in Las Vegas on Wednesday, February 11, to begin the monumental task of matchmaking for what promises to be one of the most unique events in combat sports history: a mixed martial arts card on the grounds of the White House. UFC President Dana White confirmed that matchmaker Mick Maynard flew in specifically for the historic planning session, which will shape the America250 extravaganza scheduled for June 14, 2026.

The event coincides with President Donald Trump's 80th birthday and Flag Day, marking an unprecedented moment when professional combat sports will be staged at the presidential residence for the first time in American history. The White House grounds will be transformed into an intimate venue hosting between 3,000 and 4,000 spectators, a far cry from the massive arenas that typically host UFC events. This exclusivity is expected to make tickets among the most coveted in sports entertainment.

White indicated that the organization expects to finalize the fight card by this weekend, an aggressive timeline that reflects the enormous significance of the occasion. The card is expected to feature six or seven high-profile bouts, with the entire event simulcast on CBS and Paramount+ to ensure maximum reach. As of the matchmaking meeting, not a single UFC champion—aside from the BMF belt holder—had been officially booked, leaving fans and analysts speculating wildly about potential matchups.

Rumors had circulated about a potential Conor McGregor versus Colby Covington bout headlining the card, but White quickly dismissed these reports as "total BS," emphasizing that no decisions had been made. The UFC president's denial hasn't stopped speculation, with fight fans across social media proposing dream matchups worthy of such a historic setting. The pressure on White and his matchmaking team is immense, as they must balance competitive merit with entertainment value and patriotic symbolism.

The America250 event represents a remarkable intersection of sports, politics, and American pageantry. It's a testament to the UFC's growth from a niche combat sport to a mainstream entertainment powerhouse that the organization has been granted such unprecedented access. The matchmaking decisions made this week will shape not just one night of fights, but potentially the legacy of how combat sports are perceived in the broader cultural landscape.

White's confidence in having the card finalized within days suggests that many conversations have already taken place behind the scenes, with fighters and their management teams aware of the opportunity. The next few days will be crucial as the UFC looks to assemble a card that lives up to the extraordinary venue and occasion, ensuring that the White House's first combat sports event becomes a defining moment in MMA history.