A retired UFC icon claims he has been calling Donald Trump in a bid to make the White House card next summer.
The proposed UFC White House event is scheduled to take place on the south lawn of the White House next June to commemorate 250 years of American independence.
Conor McGregor is hoping to headline the event, while Jon Jones is also eyeing a spot on the White House card despite retiring earlier this year.
Alex Pereira has called out Jones for the huge event, while Bo Nickal is another hoping for a fight in the UFC showpiece.
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Nickal has previously revealed that US President Trump wants him on the card, telling The Ariel Helwani Show: “I'm planning on being on that card. That's history. That's exciting. That's something that I feel I would just be absolutely ecstatic and grateful to be a part of.
“I got to take care of business and yeah, I mean, I've talked with president Trump. He wants me on the card. So, I'm sure that if things line up, we'll make it happen.”
'I'm calling Trump and everybody'
And another former UFC star is hellbent on featuring in the south lawn showdown.
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Jorge Masvidal announced his retirement from MMA in 2023, but has since expressed a desire to return to the sport after a 2024 boxing match with Nate Diaz last year.
Masvidal is desperate to make the White House event and busting out all the stops, including calling Trump, to ensure he’s part of the historic card.
“I've been training for like 2–3 months now. I'm calling Trump and everybody - you got to get me on this card,” the 40-year-old said via Death Row MMA.
“I'm just staying focused, staying in shape; hopefully everything works out. I'm still always down to fight Leon just 'cause we got all the history.
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“I've never had any ill will towards Leon and I still don't have ill will towards him, but I'd still love to punch him in the face and just settle all that.
“If it's not Leon, just give me somebody that's going to come and fight. Let's throw down for the president.”
Masvidal hasn't fought since 2023
Masvidal has taken part in 52 MMA fights in his career, winning 35 of those, 16 of which were by knockout.
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His last fight came in 2023, where he lost to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287 via unanimous decision.
In addition, he won one of two professional boxing fights, while he won his only kickboxing fight in his career.
Topics: Conor McGregor, Donald Trump, Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal, MMA, UFC
Ben McAleer