*This content was translated by AI.
John Jones (39), the heavyweight champion called the greatest fighter in history (GOAT), is likely to return. The unprecedented UFC White House match, which will be held to mark the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence and President Donald Trump's 80th birthday, will finally be unveiled.
UFC President Dana White said in an interview with "IFL TV" on the 5th (Korea time), "The match table for the UFC White House match has been officially confirmed. We will announce the list within this week," he declared.
In addition, Chairman White said, "All preparations are complete," adding, "We have maintained extreme security to erase the whiteboard at every matchmaking meeting to prevent information leakage."
The key to this tournament is by far whether Jones will return or not. Jones is a legendary fighter who has set a milestone of defending his 11th career title by becoming a two-time champion in the light heavyweight division alone. He is an unrivaled figure in the 23rd heavyweight champion's position.
Putting together local reports, it has been confirmed that Jones and Alex Pereira are in discussion. Jones is expected to return to the Octagon for the first time in about a year and seven months since beating Stipe Miocic with a third-round TKO in November 2024.
The UFC gives up its profits for this event and pumps out astronomical funds. According to the BBC, TKO Group Holdings President Mark Shapiro said, "We will spend about $60 million (about 88 billion won) for this competition," and stressed, "We have no intention of making money at the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence."
According to USA Today and others, President Trump is also working hard on this competition. France even decided to delay the G7 summit by one day to avoid conflicts with the tournament schedule.
Unexpected production was also predicted. "Fighters will actually walk out of the Oval Office and head to the Octagon installed on the South Lawn," White explained. 3,000 to 4,000 spectators will enter the site, and as many as 85,000 people will gather at Ellips Park near the White House to watch the game on a large screen.
However, it is unclear whether Conor McGregor, the UFC's best villain, will participate. Chairman White smiled, saying, "We'll see," but local people are paying more attention to Jones' return and Justin Gaich vs. Ilia Topuria's unified title match than McGregor. Charles Oliveira, who will compete in UFC 326, also raised expectations for a White House match, noting that "something bigger is waiting."
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*This content was translated by AI.
