Halfway through 2026 and MMA has seen no shortage of memorable manglings.
MMA
UFC White House dream fight card predictions: Who should headline? UFC White House dream fight card predictions: Who should headline?
Published
6 months agoon
The UFC has always loved gigantic moments, but the event scheduled for White House South Lawn, June 14, 2026could be the most ambitious card the sport has ever seen.
The date is correct Flag Day, President Donald Trump’s 80th birthdayand preparation for America’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White he already called it “worst card ever” while Trump was harassing so many people six to nine title fights in one night.
The scenery seems unreal: the weigh-in at the Lincoln Memorial, the players warming up in the White House, huge screens in front of the audience and fireworks ending the gala. This doesn’t feel like a regular fight card, but more like a once-in-a-generation spectacle.
No fights are official yet. White said the matchups won’t be finalized until early 2026. Still, given player availability, recent momentum and guidance from voices like I’m Tekwe can sketch realistically dream card— one that relies heavily on star power and American fighter jets to fit the patriotic theme.
Predicting the main event
Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira – super fight for the heavyweight title
If one fight tops this historic card, this is it Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira.
Jones is widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time. The American icon from Novel Mexico teased his final run and re-entered the test pool – perfect timing for a massive US event. Meanwhile, Pereira dominates the lithe heavyweight division and is openly discussing a move to heavyweight.
This fight is an simple sell: Jones’ wrestling, control and fighting versus Pereira’s terrifying knockout power.
Why Jones fits into this moment:
He’s an American legend with a redemption story and a championship pedigree. Heading a White House Charter would be the most “American scene” that could cement his status as the GOAT.
Why Pereira is critical:
He brings global appeal and real danger. One pristine shot can change history. This is the kind of struggle that defines eras, not just divisions.
Anticipating co-main events
Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler – grudge match
No mega event feels complete without it Conor McGregorand his long-awaited clash with Michael Chandler fits here perfectly.
Their rivalry dates back to time The best warrior and years of verbal sparring. Chandler, an American from Missouri, remained ready and loudly insisted on this fight despite the delays.
Why Chandler belongs in this card:
It represents fortitude, the roots of wrestling and constant pressure – classic American MMA traits. Its explosive style guarantees action, and its underdog narrative fits the theme.
McGregor brings global star power. Chandler brings heart and violence. Together we have chaos waiting to happen.
Creating a stacked patriotic title card
Dana White’s vision of combining multiple championship fights on one historic night opens the door to a card with occasional depth and long-term legacy. It wouldn’t just be about crowning champions – it would be about showcasing the UFC’s global reach while putting American fighters at the center of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
Here’s how the rest of the card could realistically come together, balancing elite competition, national pride and pure entertainment value.
Interim heavyweight title
Tom Aspinall vs. Ciril Gane (Revenge)
This fight features speed, technique and finishing skills rarely seen in the heavyweight division. Aspinall has proven to be one of the most prepared gigantic men in MMA, combining quick hands with elite grappling. Meanwhile, Gane remains one of the purest strikers this division has ever seen.
Even without the participation of an American fighter, this fight makes sense on the international stage. It highlights how far heavyweight MMA has evolved and gives the card international credibility. The rematch also adds story value – unfinished business always sells, especially on an evening built around history.
Middleweight title
Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland
This fight seems tailor-made for the White House setting. Chimaev brings unparalleled intensity, pressure and physical dominance. Strickland counters with volume, stamina and a relentless pace that refuses to break.
Strickland’s straightforward and uncompromising American personality adds another layer. He fights like he says – forward, aggressive and without hesitation. The contrast between Chimaev’s suffocating style and Strickland’s endurance foreshadows a brutal, grueling war that fits the tone of a high-stakes, patriotic event.
Welterweight title
Islam Makhachev vs. Kamaru Usman
If Islam Makhachev will be welterweight champion by 2026, a clash with former dominant champion Kamaru Usman would be a grappling championship.
Makhachev has already identified Usman as a top target after moving up to 170 pounds in 2025, while Usman – fresh off a rebound victory – has been pushing strenuous for the fight, viewing it as highly likely.
An American-Nigerian with elite wrestling, championship experience and suffocating pressure, Usman offers the toughest stylistic test for Makhachev’s Dagestani control. His comeback story and veteran knowledge add weight to this fight.
On the White House stage, Usman’s combative mentality and American roots will provide intense, high-stakes drama – exactly what a history card needs.
Lightweight title
Ilia Topuria vs. Justin the slave
If chaos had a name, it would be Justin Gaethje. Fan favorite and former BMF champion Gaethje guarantees violence the moment the cage door closes. His willingness to trade combined with his elite power make for must-watch TV.
Topuria, on the other hand, represents a up-to-date era – technical, self-confident and ruthless. This duel combines old-school brutality with current precision. On a stage like the White House lawn, Gaethje’s action-packed style seems almost mandatory.
Bantamweight title
Petr Jan vs. Merab Dvalishvili III
The bantamweight trilogy brings elite skill and unfinished business. Yan’s crisp boxing and composure contrast sharply with Merab’s relentless pressure and pace.
If circumstances permit, insertion Sean O’Malley in the photo would instantly add to the American star power and casual look. O’Malley’s popularity, style and confidence would be a perfect fit in the dazzling lights of a historic event.
Featherweight title
Aleksander Wołkanovsky vs. Movsar Evloev
It’s a pure battle of skill vs. skill. Volkanovski’s experience, fighting IQ and masterful composure against Evloev’s undefeated pressure and crushing control will appeal to hardcore fans.
To strengthen the American presence, Bryce Mitchell makes sense on the card. His grappling style and outspoken personality will add flavor and balance to the lineup.
Undercard players who deserve your attention
No truly historic card is complete without rising American stars and crowd favorites who bring energy from the first bell. Players who are a perfect fit are:
- Because Nickal – elite wrestling pedigree and rapidly growing buzz
- Joe Pyfer – raw knockout power and fan-friendly aggression
- Derrick Lewis – guaranteed fireworks and unforgettable moments after the fight
Lewis giving a post-fight interview on the White House lawn could easily become one of the most-played clips in UFC history.
Why this card could go down in UFC history
Yes, the logistics would be overwhelming. Holding fights on the White House grounds would pose security concerns, production challenges and enormous costs. But the reward could be historic.
This card connects American history, global superstars and elite level competition in a way the UFC has never tried. Players like Jones, Chandler, Strickland, Covington, Gaethje and O’Malley wouldn’t just be names on a poster – they would be symbols of the sport’s growth and cultural influence.
If even half of these matchups coincide, June 14, 2026It won’t be just another night of fighting. This could become the most talked about event in MMA history.
Your turn: Which fights would do that You add to the White House card?
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Jordan Burroughs faces Sean Brady in RAF 12 main event next month
Published
23 hours agoon
July 4, 2026
Wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs finally has an opponent for his RAF debut, and it's someone MMA fans know well.
On Friday, Real American Freestyle announced that Burroughs, who signed with the promotion last month, will face UFC welterweight Sean Brady in the main event of RAF 12 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Aug. 22.
Widely considered one of the greatest American wrestlers of all time, Burroughs was a two-time national champion in college for Nebraska before transitioning to the senior circuit, where he dominated the 74-kg weight class, winning the World Championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. The highlight of Burroughs' wrestling career is his gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. After setbacks in 2016 and 2020, Burroughs moved up to 79 kgs, where he won the World Championship in 2021 and 2022.
Burroughs, 37, last competed at the 2024 World Championships, losing to multiple-time world medalist Mohammad Nokhodi.
Brady is one of the top welterweights competing in MMA right now. Though he doesn't hail from a traditional wrestling background, Brady has proven himself to be a strong wrestler in his MMA and grappling career. Most recently, he defeated Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328 in May. This is his RAF debut.
MMA
Jordan Burroughs faces Sean Brady in RAF 12 main event next month
Published
23 hours agoon
July 4, 2026
Wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs finally has an opponent for his RAF debut, and it's someone MMA fans know well.
On Friday, Real American Freestyle announced that Burroughs, who signed with the promotion last month, will face UFC welterweight Sean Brady in the main event of RAF 12 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland on Aug. 22.
Widely considered one of the greatest American wrestlers of all time, Burroughs was a two-time national champion in college for Nebraska before transitioning to the senior circuit, where he dominated the 74-kg weight class, winning the World Championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. The highlight of Burroughs' wrestling career is his gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. After setbacks in 2016 and 2020, Burroughs moved up to 79 kgs, where he won the World Championship in 2021 and 2022.
Burroughs, 37, last competed at the 2024 World Championships, losing to multiple-time world medalist Mohammad Nokhodi.
Brady is one of the top welterweights competing in MMA right now. Though he doesn't hail from a traditional wrestling background, Brady has proven himself to be a strong wrestler in his MMA and grappling career. Most recently, he defeated Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328 in May. This is his RAF debut.
MMA
MMA Fighting’s 2026 Submission of the Midyear: Murtazali Magomedov’s mind-blowing Scottish twister
Published
24 hours agoon
July 4, 2026
Sure, we've yet to see a major title fight decided by a submission yet, but what's great about the mixing of the martial arts is that sometimes you see some of the most amazing finishes happen when you least expect it, and that's doubly true when it comes to fighters forcing their opponents to tap out.
Six months into the year, we've seen all kinds of submissions from airtight chokes to body-bending holds to classic armbars, so we had plenty of options to choose from when deciding which was the best for our Midyear awards. In the end, we landed on a Dana White Contender Series signing making a debut that will be tough to top, a talented flyweight contender putting an exclamation point on an impressive performance against one of his division's most dangerous spoilers, and never-before-seen-in-the-UFC leg lock courtesy of a streaking strawweight who's proving she's more than just a meme machine.
So let's look at MMA Fighting's top-3 submissions of 2026 so far.
No. 1: Murtazali Magomedov vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (UFC Vegas 119)
You could be forgiven for mistaking Murtazali Magomedov for a striker.
For many fans, their first introduction to Magomedov came on the Contender Series, where he showed slick hands to put away Brahyam Zurcher and earn a UFC contract. Even his last Octagon League featherweight championship defense came courtesy of a hellacious knockout knee up the middle. Magomedov might be a wrestler, but he certainly doesn't shy away from throwing hammers on the feet.
However, his UFC debut reminded everyone he has a dangerous submission game. Once Magomedov put Melsik Baghdasaryan on the mat, he didn't settle for a pedestrian rear-naked choke or hunt for a joint lock; no, that wouldn't be satisfying enough. Instead, he waited for Baghdasaryan to turn into his body lock, trapping him halfway through, and then twisting him in such a way that his upper half threatened to separate from his lower half.
The official call was Scottish twister and the official result was Magomedov putting the 145-pound division on notice that he is not to be messed with when it comes to grappling.
No. 2: Asu Almabayev vs. Charles Johnson (UFC Baku)
Asu Almabayev is so close to breaking into that elite tier of flyweights and he moved one step closer to cementing a spot with his latest win.
Kazakhstan's Almabayev has been a healthy favorite in his past couple of fights, but it's one thing to look good on paper and another to look good inside the octagon. For two rounds, against flyweight kingmaker Charles Johnson, Almabayev showed off a complete game, especially his superior wrestling.
Up on the cards heading into Round 3, Almabayev could have cruised to a decision win. Why risk giving Johnson even the slightest window for a comeback considering his history of upsets (UFC champion Joshua Van and Lone'er Kavanagh know all too well how dangerous Johnson is) when you're in control of the cards? With less than two minutes left in the fight, Almabayev took advantage of Johnson attempting to stand up out of back control, snatched Johnson's leg to break his base, and then utilized a classic Suloev stretch to yank his foot way over his head. Tap or say goodbye to your hamstring.
With just one loss in eight UFC appearances, don't be surprised if this is the performance that pushes Almabayev towards an eventual title shot.
No. 3: Alice Ardelean vs. Polyana Viana (UFC Vegas 117)
Is Alice Ardelean… good?
Even the most positive-minded fight fan (me!) had a difficult time reconciling Ardelean being signed to the UFC in 2024. Her two claims to fame were her considerable social media following (millions are subscribed to Ardelean's socials for her viral reaction face) and having previously lost to Zhang Weili. Her pro record was 9-5. And then she lost to Shauna Bannon and Melissa Martinez. Like, what are we doing?
Then something weird happened. Ardelean stuck to it. She could have settled for using a brief UFC run to further boost her profile, but she actually started winning fights. A Fight of the Night-winning performance against Rayanne dos Santos. Another decision nod over Montserrat Conejo. And then a matchup with Polyana Viana, a struggling veteran, but a woman that knows a thing or too about internet notoriety.
Ardelean made sure both of them went viral again. With Ardelean in top position, Viana countered with a body lock from bottom position, aiming to control Ardelean's posture. However, what she didn't know was that Ardelean is terminally online and guess what? That's a pretty dangerous base for MMA in 2026.
With Viana's foot tucked between her legs, Ardelean turned body lock defense into leg lock offense and soon it was Viana being forced to signal her submission.
I don't know if Ardelean ever becomes a serious contender. I don't know if she even comes close to cracking the top 15. But she's already made her mark, becoming the first fighter ever to say that they successfully scored a Capsule Lock submission in a UFC fight.
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