The announcement by President Donald Trump about a potential UFC event taking place at the White House on Independence Day in 2026 has certainly stirred up conversation among fight fans.
Supporters immediately began speculating about dream matchups for the event, with some hoping the long-anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall could finally materialize on that date.
Conor McGregor also fueled speculation, hinting that the proposed date might be when he could finally face Michael Chandler, signaling his renewed interest in a UFC return.
Amidst this wave of fantasy fight bookings, one fan directed a particularly unique proposal towards the promotion`s current women`s bantamweight champion.
Much to that fan`s potential disappointment, it seems Kayla Harrison is not planning to participate in the highly unusual type of title fight they suggested.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC: Kayla Harrison celebrates after defeating Julianna Pena in the UFC women`s bantamweight championship bout during the UFC 316 event at Prudential Center on June 07, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.
Harrison`s Amused Reaction to Facing Merab Dvalishvili
Kayla Harrison is already scheduled for one of the most significant fights of the year, preparing to face the returning former champion Amanda Nunes in her next outing.
If Harrison successfully defends her title against `The Lioness`, the landscape for challenging opponents in the 135-pound division currently appears somewhat limited.
Following President Trump`s announcement, Harrison made several posts on social media. Notably, she quickly shut down a call-out from UFC welterweight Phil Rowe regarding the potential White House event.
Underneath a graphic shared by Harrison, depicting her with the bantamweight title alongside the American flag and several eagles, a fan presented their bold idea:
“I speak for all UFC fans when I say WE want Harrison vs [Merab] Dvalishvili to headline UFC WH [White House]”
This unconventional pitch for a champion-versus-champion clash involving the promotion`s two bantamweight titleholders was swiftly dismissed by the former two-time Olympic judo gold medalist.
In a concise and humorous reply, Harrison acknowledged the impressive success of Merab Dvalishvili within the Octagon but made it abundantly clear that she has absolutely no interest in attempting to win a second title in the same weight class (referring to the obvious gender mismatch).
“I ain’t ready for that smoke sweetie“
Why Kayla Harrison is a Likely Candidate for the White House Card
Kayla Harrison`s potential involvement in the rumored UFC event at the White House makes considerable sense for multiple reasons.
If she secures a victory over Amanda Nunes later this year, she would undoubtedly solidify her position as the premier figure in women`s mixed martial arts.
Furthermore, having previously represented the United States at the Olympic Games, Harrison is currently the promotion`s only active American champion following Jon Jones` recent retirement.
With no other American fighters appearing to be on the verge of title contention in the immediate future (with the possible exception of Cory Sandhagen challenging Merab Dvalishvili), Harrison`s chances of being featured prominently on the White House card are significantly enhanced.
