Dana White has already set incredibly high expectations for the White House event of the UFC in 2026.
White claimed that it will be “the best card we've ever done”, but with almost a full year until the planned card, many things will change in the sport before it takes shape.
For this reason, the UFC -CEO hesitated to commit themselves to naming potential candidates who could appear at the event, although he apparently came one star from the list.
White said that Jon Jones would be too risky for a headliner for Independence Day because of the potential risk he presents on the basis of previous issues.
Although Jones still believes that he could be in the race for a return to this card, there are several other options that may be available.
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4. Kayla Harrison
Although Merab Dvalishvili also believes that he is eligible as an American citizen, Kayla Harrison is the only UFC champion born in America at the Roster now.
Harrison certainly brings a star quality to the table and as a former double Olympic gold medal winner in Judo she has the family tree.
The biggest problem with the currently in this end of the Bantamweight Champion in this ending is to predict a potential opponent.
She is ready for one of the biggest title fights of women who ever put together the promotion when she recovers Amanda Nunes to the Octagon.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Apart from postponing this fight until then, whether they let each other meet in a rematch, there is no other big matchup that now jumps from the Harrison page.
The champion seems to want to compete earlier instead of later, where Dana White is asked to make an exception for nunes, so unless the UFC decides to work with Cris Cyborg again, Harrison is the most important event against someone other than 'The Lioness' can feel overwhelming.
3. Justin Gaethje
There are a few American stars on the Roster who can be in position next year for battles that are large enough to head this card.
Justin Gaethje can be frustrated with the UFC at the moment, but if he can retire for another year, this would be a huge way for 'the highlight' to go out.
With Gaethje you literally have the most reliable hunter in the UFC history when it comes to starting great fighting, and that will help the UFC, knowing that the card will end with a bang.
One thing to consider is that the UFC may not want to risk the event that ends with a non-American that comes at the top, that would be resolved by having the next pick, or by Gaethje fighting one of them.
2. Jorge Masvidal (& Nate Diaz)
Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz occupy the same place here, although 'GameBred' takes a slight lead because of his relationship with President Donald Trump.
The reason that both names are number two is because in each fight you put one of them in it, whether it is a BMF title fight or a matchup with the top name on the list, the other would also fit.
There is of course another option to leave Masvidal vs Diaz against each other in a rematch of their inaugural BMF title fight on UFC 244, or their trilogy if you take into account their boxing conflict from last year.
These are two big names that could bring the UFC back to the Octagon, and similar to Gaethje, you know they are going to set up a show and do not end the biggest event in the history of the promotion in a damped tone.
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1. Conor McGregor
The biggest star in sport is such an obvious choice to head this event that if it is physically capable, there is almost no doubt.
Conor McGregor did not fight in four years at this stage, but that did not stop him from immediately registering his interest.
'The notorious' even claimed, just like Jon Jones, that it would give him the motivation he needs to take a return seriously after his failed attempt at a comeback last year.
My accuracy is my super power.
Most don't know this, but in my right eye I have 20/10 vision. I am from the 1% of the people who have this. On the left I am 20/20.
Accuracy is final. I have most KOs of all long and I have bought my yachts for the past 4 years.
To … pic.twitter.com/gfhyo6fkbj
– Conor McGregor (@Thenotoriousmma) July 4, 2025
View tweet
The return of McGregor in the test pool and in shape makes the work of the UFC a little easier because you can frankly match him against any hunter on the Roster and it will generate an enormous amount of interest.
Three of the names mentioned on this list, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal and Justin Gaethje, all work as potential opponents.
Just like the will of Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, not to mention Michael Chandler, who probably already circled the date in his calendar after years of waiting for his fight with 'The Notorious'.