The President’s recent declaration about hosting a UFC event has captured the interest of the sport’s top athletes. During a rally on July 3rd, Donald Trump announced that the White House will host a UFC event on July 4th, 2026, commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary. Trump mentioned that around 25,000 spectators are expected, suggesting some high-profile fights will be arranged for this historic occasion. Fans have speculated about potential matchups like Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.
Among the names mentioned for the event, Conor McGregor quickly emerged as a standout. McGregor has been more involved with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) than his MMA fighting career recently, having not fought in the octagon since UFC 264 in July 2021 and withdrawing from a comeback bout against Michael Chandler last year. Trump’s announcement might change that, as McGregor expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of fighting at the White House on Independence Day via a post on X (formerly Twitter). The former champion questioned the UFC’s vitality after UFC 317 and voiced his excitement about fighting under Trump’s event.
Additionally, BKFC announced a “Promotion Status” press conference set for July 10th in Hollywood, Florida. Alongside promotional champions, McGregor is expected to make a “groundbreaking” announcement, though details remain unclear. This could involve a new partnership with BKFC, a major signing, or information about upcoming event cards. The press conference will be livestreamed on BKFC’s YouTube channel.
Fan Take: This announcement is electrifying for fight fans because it blends political spectacle with one of the biggest sports platforms, potentially bringing unprecedented attention to MMA. McGregor’s implied return could reignite his career and add star power to an already iconic fight celebration, underscoring the UFC’s growing cultural impact.