UFC’s Historic Event at the White House
Dana White is confident about the key players for UFC’s most significant event to date.
Celebration of Independence
This year, White and former President Donald Trump revealed plans for a UFC event on the White House lawn to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding next summer. Although the event is nearly a year away, it is anticipated to be one of the largest in UFC history, attracting numerous fighters eager to participate, particularly Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.
Fighter Interest
Following the announcement, both McGregor and Jones expressed their desire to compete. Jones even considered coming out of retirement. However, White quickly dismissed Jones’s intentions, stating he cannot rely on Jones for a headline event of that caliber.
Concerns About Reliability
“He’s not the type to step up when things get tough,” White shared during an interview. “He has made questionable decisions based on the advice of the wrong people, leading to cancellations in the past.” Jones has faced several promotional challenges, including a missed fight at UFC 200 and a last-minute venue change for UFC 232 due to drug test issues.
White’s Trust in McGregor
In stark contrast, White has unwavering faith in Conor McGregor. Although McGregor hasn’t fought since his 2021 bout with Dustin Poirier and had to withdraw from a planned comeback due to injury, White believes he can count on him to headline the UFC White House event if McGregor is interested.
Looking Ahead
“We’ll see how it plays out,” White noted. “I’ll begin planning the card in February, and if it goes well, McGregor could be included.” White respects McGregor’s unwavering commitment to fighting, describing him as someone who reacts decisively even amidst chaos.
Conclusion
While White acknowledges the artistic temperament of fighters like Jones, he prioritizes reliability in an event of such magnitude. In contrast, his faith in McGregor’s readiness and commitment assures him that the UFC White House event will have the right headliner.
