Ariel Helwani has dropped a significant update on Conor McGregor's UFC comeback and in doing so, shared major news on the White House card.
McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC since his defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
He was due to return to action at UFC 303 in the summer of 2024 until a toe injury forced him to withdraw from his scheduled clash against Michael Chandler.
But the Irishman is eager and raring to go as he eyes a spot on the UFC White House card, which is planned for June 14 to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary and Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
Advert
However, it appears he won't get his wish.
According to Helwani, UFC bosses, including Dana White, have other plans for McGregor and it doesn't involve headlining the White House event.
Helwani, though, has tipped McGregor to make his UFC return at the promotion's International Fight Week event on July 11 in Las Vegas and explained why he won't compete on the South Lawn.
"It doesn't look like it's going to be Conor on the White House card," the veteran combat sports reporter said on his YouTube channel. "They have a International Fight Week main-event or card scheduled for July 11 and that's in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena.
"There's a greater chance of him fighting on that card than on the White House card because, as I've told you, there's no money to be made. In fact, they keep touting the fact that there's money to be lost from the White House event."
Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones has been discussed for the UFC White House event
The UFC White House card is just a few months away and we could be closer to learning the main-event.
Helwani has revealed that there have been 'some talks' of Alex Pereira facing Jon Jones at the White House.
It comes after Pereira vacated his UFC light-heavyweight title as he seeks a move to heavyweight. And he wants Jones, who called time on his legendary career last year.
But, like many American fighters, Jones is hellbent on fighting at the White House.
"I can tell you right here and now that there have been some talks of him (Pereira) fighting Jon Jones. And and there have been talks of him fighting Jon Jones on the White House card," Helwani added.
"Jon Jones on the White House card is not dead. But I could tell you I don't feel as of right now a ton of positive momentum in that direction. But I'm not here to tell you that it's dead. There have been talks of this. Jon Jones, Alex Pereira at heavyweight."
Helwani continued: "But here's what I can tell you. There have been some talks of that. I think that would be a tremendous White House main-event. I don't know if they ultimately get it done.
"And I think if they don't get it done, what I'm hearing is they would do Alex versus Ciryl Gane either for interim - I would think it would be interim, I think it would be insane to do anything other than interim. And I don't think Alex cares.
"I think he wants to be a three-division champion and then that would get him to hopefully Tom Aspinall when he comes back."
Topics: Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, UFC, Ariel Helwani
Nasir Jabbar