The highly anticipated UFC event at the White House, initially announced by Donald Trump last summer, is moving forward, with plans reportedly set for June 14 next year in Washington D.C. UFC President Dana White has promised a “spectacular” card, aiming for it to be one of the promotion`s biggest shows ever.
To deliver on this promise, the card must feature significant, high-profile matchups held directly on the White House lawn. However, one former champion believes the UFC is quickly running out of viable options to headline such a momentous event.
Sean O’Malley Highlights the Roster Problem for the White House Card
While the UFC generally has plenty of elite fighters, key marquee names appear to be unavailable for this specific celebration. Conor McGregor’s return remains uncertain, Jon Jones’ involvement has been dismissed by White, Alex Pereira recently signaled he won`t participate, and Ilia Topuria is currently taking a hiatus due to personal matters.
Sean O’Malley, the former bantamweight titleholder, discussed these potential absences on his Red Hawk Recap podcast alongside coach Tim Welch. Recognizing the scarcity of top draws, ‘Suga’ feels that a strong performance against Song Yadong at UFC 324 could make him indispensable for the White House show.
“The White House card has to be—it sounds like it’s happening, and it has to be f*cking massive,” O’Malley stated.
He broke down the list of potential headliners who are currently out of contention:
“Who is left? Conor, we don’t know. Jon Jones, doesn’t sound like it’s going to be him. It ain’t gonna be Ilia. It ain’t gonna be Pereira. Who is the biggest name? Right now, I am still a big name but I’m coming off two losses.”
O’Malley concluded with a clear assertion of his value:
“Khamzat [Chimaev] probably won’t be on it… they’re running out of options. They need me, they need the ‘Suga’ show.”
Daniel Cormier Sees O’Malley as a Potential Title Challenger Against Yan
O’Malley`s increased visibility could also impact the bantamweight title picture. He believes a win positions him to challenge the new bantamweight king, Petr Yan, a sentiment shared by former two-division champion Daniel Cormier.
Yan recently secured his second reign by defeating Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 323. Although many argue Dvalishvili deserves an immediate rematch due to his historical dominance, Cormier suggested on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show that the UFC might prioritize a more financially appealing rematch between O’Malley and the Russian.
“Petr Yan doesn’t seem interested in it [the trilogy fight with Dvalishvili],” Cormier observed.
“I am telling you, your boy Sean O’Malley, he beats Song Yadong, there will be a little bit of a draw from the company business-wise to go, ‘Maybe, maybe…’”
Cormier admitted that while Dvalishvili is the rightful contender, O`Malley`s star power makes him a tempting alternative for the promotion.
“Merab should be fighting for the belt, no question,” he affirmed. “But there will be a draw, Chael [Sonnen], if Sean O’Malley can get through Song Yadong. Sean O’Malley is the biggest star in the weight class, and there will be a draw to say, ‘Hey, why don’t we put O’Malley in there to fight Petr Yan because he’s not gonna get wrestled the whole time?’ But that would feel unfair.”
