PFL sends message to Donald Trump offering to join UFC White House event with card featuring Francis Ngannou

The UFC is planning a historic event on the White House lawn for July 4, 2026, potentially featuring marquee fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones. This announcement opens betting opportunities with predictions favoring UFC fighters for victory. However, the rival PFL is also vying for attention, proposing its own event with a strong card, including ex-UFC champion Francis Ngannou. Punters should consider the dynamics between the two promotions as they shape betting odds leading up to the event.

The UFC Octagon looks headed for the White House lawn in 2026, and a rival promotion wants in on the action. During a recent rally in Iowa, United States President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC fight to take place outside the White House as part of the 2026 July 4 celebrations. Trump, a mixed martial arts fan who is often seen cageside at events, teased that Dana White will organize an event to be watched in-person by between 20,000 and 25,000 fans.

A number of fighters have quickly raised their hands to compete. As well as Conor McGregor teasing a comeback for the White House event, the recently retired Jon Jones has hinted at his willingness to fight again due to the occasion.

But if a rival promotion has its way, it won’t just be UFC athletes celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at one of the world’s most famous buildings.

July 4th next year is a Saturday, regarding President Trumps UFC White House event. I will be reigning President of Ireland just under 1 year when I step out on the lawns of the White House to throw down. Epic proportions! Or as I like to call it, Tuesday at the office. Vote...

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) July 4, 2025

PFL founder Donn Davis pitches card to join July 4 celebrations The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has had a difficult time of things in recent years, with its decision-making regarding the Bellator acquisition leading to some writing the promotion off as legitimate competition to the UFC. But PFL certainly still has a stacked roster with plenty of notable names, enough to create a card worthy of joining next year’s July 4 celebrations in Washington, D.C., according to the organization’s founder and chairman.

The always active Donn Davis appeared on social media amid talk of a UFC White House event to pitch a PFL card to take place beforehand. He even attached a graphic of a concept card, featuring a headliner between ex-UFC star Francis Ngannou and Vadim Nemkov, as well as bouts for Usman Nurmagomedov, Cris Cyborg, Dakota Ditcheva, and Johnny Eblen.

MMA at White House great idea @realDonaldTrump for July 4, 2026 💥 PFL has WOW fight card for MMA fans to celebrate USA 250 anniversary! @PFLMMA afternoon @ufc evening pic.twitter.com/tFwiwGuFbO— Donn Davis (@DonnDavisPFL) July 6, 2025

PFL could lose two from its White House card to the UFC. By the time July 4, 2026, comes around, a couple of those included by Davis on the fantasy PFL White House card may have already jumped ship to MMA’s leading promotion.

Much has been made of Nemkov’s future after he fought out his contract in a submission victory over Tim Johnson at the start of 2025. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the former Bellator champion’s availability, claiming his name hadn’t been spoken about as of January.

Also potentially en route to the Octagon is Johnny Eblen. After a dominant reign as Bellator middleweight champion, the American is widely seen as one of the best talents competing outside the UFC and a fighter who could immediately compete with the likes of Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.

Eblen’s contract with the PFL is set to expire in the first quarter of 2026, and ‘Johnny Pressure’ has made clear his desire to go wherever he can prove his claim to the ‘best middleweight in the world’ tag.

The UFC Octagon looks headed for the White House lawn in 2026, and a rival promotion wants in on the action. During a recent rally...

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