Dana White is signaling that Islam Makhachev could take center stage at the UFC’s upcoming White House card in June 2026. The event, planned to celebrate America’s 250th birthday at President Donald Trump’s official residence, is expected to feature the UFC’s top stars.
Makhachev, who claimed the welterweight title with a victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, has expressed interest in being part of this historic card. White spoke about the possibilities for the champion after UFC 322, emphasizing that the lineup will focus on the strongest matchups rather than nationality.
White on Makhachev’s path forward
“Not the most exciting title fight you’ll ever see,” White said of Islam vs. JDM. “But let me tell you what: complete dominance. And depending on what we do next with him and what’s going on, this guy’s headed toward GOAT talk.”
He continued: “It’s not America versus the world. It’s what’s the best card we can build? We are talking GOAT talk, depending on what he does in his next couple of fights. So, it’s a possibility.”
White’s comments suggest that Makhachev’s next performances could influence his placement on the White House card, highlighting the UFC’s intention to feature the most compelling fights possible.
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria also reacted to UFC 322, taking aim at both Makhachev and Della Maddalena on social media.
“Jack needs an entire camp dedicated just to wrestling,” Topuria wrote. “What a disappointment of a champion. You should go to Georgia to learn something. Islam, you need something you can’t train: emotion. You’re the most boring thing in this game. Every day I’m more certain I put you to sleep.”
Jack needs an entire camp dedicated just to wrestling. What a disappointment of a champion. You should go to Georgia to learn something.
Islam, you need something you can’t train: emotion. You’re the most boring thing in this game. Every day I’m more certain I put you to sleep.— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 16, 2025
Makhachev’s rise to welterweight and his potential headline slot at the White House card remain hot topics as the UFC continues to develop the lineup for this milestone event.
