The UFC’s historic White House event keeps gaining momentum, and now another major name is throwing himself into the mix. Former bantamweight titleholder Sean O’Malley has made it clear that he wants to fight on the card next summer, calling the opportunity too special to pass up.
The show is part of the America 250 celebration honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and it’s expected to be the most ambitious UFC event ever staged.
O’Malley makes his pitch
“I would absolutely love to be on that card,” O’Malley said on his YouTube channel. “Regardless, I want to fight within the next four or five months, whatever it is. And then I’ll also be ready for that (White House event) because they said it could be June. It could be International Fight Week, said it could be July.”
O’Malley stressed he doesn’t want a long layoff and hopes to get in one more fight before then.
“If I can get one in early next year, end of this year, one of the two, count me in,” O’Malley continued. “I want to be on that card. I mean, being on the Sphere card, being on the White House card, these are legendary moments. They’re once in a lifetime f**king moments.”
While speculation swirls about who will fill the rest of the bill, one thing is certain: Conor McGregor is confirmed to headline the White House show. Dana White has been vocal about wanting the Irish superstar front and center as UFC stages its most symbolic event.
Other fighters are lobbying for slots too. Jon Jones has repeatedly begged to be included, but reports suggest Dana White isn’t ready to commit him yet. Former champions and even retirees have hinted at comebacks just to be part of the spectacle.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced the plan to bring UFC to the White House lawn as part of the 2026 America 250 festival. To highlight the atmosphere, UFC is designing a massive lighting arch to frame the octagon between the White House on one side and the Washington Monument on the other.
White has promised fans the “greatest lineup ever”, and with stars like McGregor already confirmed — and fighters like O’Malley campaigning for inclusion — the card is shaping up to be unforgettable.
For O’Malley, the appeal is simple: the chance to be etched into history. If UFC matchmakers grant his wish, he’ll stand alongside the biggest names of his era on a night unlike any other in combat sports.
