Ilia Topuria is set to defend his lightweight world championship against Justin Gaethje in the headline fight of the upcoming UFC White House event. The co-main event will feature Alex Pereira stepping up to the heavyweight division to face Ciryl Gane for the interim title while reigning champion Tom Aspinall recuperates from a double eye surgery. Notably absent from the card is Conor McGregor, who disclosed being left out and is expected to make his return to the octagon on July 11.
Michael Chandler will be in action against Mauricio Ruffy, a match that had long been rumored to potentially involve McGregor on the front lawn of President Donald Trump. Additionally, former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley is scheduled to fight Aiemann Zahabi. The six-bout card will also include Bo Nickal vs. Kyle Daukaus and Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia.
UFC CEO Dana White expressed enthusiasm for the event, highlighting the opportunity for fighters like Pereira and Topuria to make their mark. White acknowledged the challenges in finalizing the fight card but assured fans that the matchups are set and the event is ready to go. White remained open to the possibility of Pereira facing Aspinall in the future depending on the outcome of his fight with Gane.
The event announcement confirmed that Jon Jones will not be making a comeback to face Pereira, following the Brazilian fighter’s decision to vacate his light-heavyweight title and move up a weight class. The anticipation for the event is high, with fight fans eagerly awaiting the action-packed matchups.