Michael Page has openly stated his reason for turning down the opportunity to fight on the UFC’s upcoming White House card scheduled for June in Washington, D.C. The British welterweight fighter made clear that his decision relates to his personal stance regarding the event’s environment and audience, despite the UFC’s strong momentum in 2026.
The UFC is gearing up for a high-profile summer showdown on the South Lawn of the White House, designed to coincide with Donald Trump’s birthday celebrations. Several prominent fighters, including former champions Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, have expressed interest in participating, highlighting the event’s appeal within the MMA community.
Page’s Upcoming Fight and Career Prospects
Page is preparing for his own comeback, set to compete at the UFC’s return to London’s O2 Arena on March 21, where he will move back to the welterweight division to face Sam Patterson. Fresh off consecutive victories in the middleweight class, Page has emphasized his intention to continue in welterweight with the ambition of earning a title shot.
However, he firmly ruled out fighting at the White House event, prioritizing his career goals over the high-profile nature of the card. He said,
“Nah, not at all. If you look at the state of the world right now, I don’t really want to entertain those people,”
making his stance clear on why he’s unwilling to be involved.
“I think that makes sense, I don’t really need to say too much,”
he added.
Details and Political Atmosphere Around the White House UFC Event
While UFC President Dana White confirmed that the White House event will accommodate around 5,000 spectators, the audience is expected to be predominantly close associates of Donald Trump, with a limited number of public attendees. Trump even adjusted the timing of the International G7 Summit to ensure his presence at the UFC card.
Despite confirmation that matchmaking for the card is complete, the full lineup remains undisclosed, leaving fans curious about which fighters will appear. Dana White is scheduled to announce additional fight details during a live Instagram event.
Other Fighters Share Reluctance Toward White House Fight
Michael Page is not alone in his hesitation toward the politically charged environment of the White House fight. Former two-time flyweight champion Brandon Moreno also voiced his disinterest in competing there. When asked about fighting at the event, Moreno responded,
“Brother, I want you to tell me why I would want to be there.”
After being told it was a “very special” event, he replied,
“For you? I’m not interested. Thank you very much.”
This reluctance underscores the division within the UFC fighters about participating in a politically sensitive event, reflecting broader concerns about the event’s setting and affiliations.
Implications for Fans and the UFC’s Event Strategy
Fans of Michael Page, known for his entertaining knockout power, may feel disappointed by his refusal to fight at the White House card. Nonetheless, his focus remains fixed on achieving a welterweight title opportunity, aiming to advance his career outside the scope of politically affiliated events.
The UFC continues to navigate its expanding presence in the United States and internationally, pairing its events with strategic partnerships such as the recent global deal with KNOX Hydration, which aims to provide performance hydration to athletes and consumers alike.
With the White House card scheduled for June and the UFC 327 light heavyweight title fight rumoured for April in Miami, the promotion balances its high-profile spectacles with the priorities and perspectives of its fighters and audience. The aftermath of these decisions will influence how the UFC shapes its future events amid political and fan interest factors.
