Ben Askren Pitches Wild White House Fight Card Idea

Former UFC fighter envisions star-studded event celebrating America's 250th birthday

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Former UFC contender and analyst Ben Askren has proposed a hypothetical fight card to be held at the White House, featuring high-profile matchups like Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje, Conor McGregor, and Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry. Askren's idea also includes a patriotic twist, with American fighters facing off against British opponents to add a rivalry element to the event.

Why it matters

Askren's proposal taps into the entertainment potential of combat sports when combined with national celebration and pride. While the logistics of hosting a fight card at the White House make it unlikely to actually happen, the mere idea of such a star-studded event in such a symbolic setting has sparked debate and interest.

The details

Askren laid out a lineup of potential fights, including a stylistic clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje that he called "fitting" for the occasion. He also mentioned the possibility of including Conor McGregor, acknowledging uncertainty about whether the Irish star would actually compete but noting that his presence would elevate the event's global appeal. Another matchup Askren suggested was between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry, highlighting the contrast between Makhachev's grappling and Garry's striking skills.

  • The hypothetical event would celebrate America's 250th birthday.

The players

Ben Askren

A former UFC contender and outspoken MMA analyst who has proposed the idea of a fight card at the White House.

Ilia Topuria

A rising MMA fighter known for his technical boxing and finishing ability.

Justin Gaethje

A UFC fighter renowned for his aggressive fighting style and entertaining bouts.

Conor McGregor

A former UFC champion and one of the biggest stars in MMA, whose potential inclusion on the card would add significant spectacle.

Islam Makhachev

A dominant UFC fighter with a strong grappling-based skillset.

Ian Machado Garry

A promising UFC prospect known for his confident striking pedigree.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to see Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje... that's fitting.”

— Ben Askren, Former UFC Contender and Analyst (yardbarker.com)

“Conor McGregor? I'd want to see him... I don't know if we're going to, but that's a fun one.”

— Ben Askren, Former UFC Contender and Analyst (yardbarker.com)

“It was Islam Makhachev versus Ian Machado... ”

— Ben Askren, Former UFC Contender and Analyst (yardbarker.com)

The takeaway

While Askren's proposal for a White House fight card remains hypothetical, the mere idea of such a star-studded event in a symbolic setting has sparked debate and interest. The potential for combat sports to be combined with national celebration and rivalry adds an intriguing layer of entertainment value, even if the logistical realities make it unlikely to actually happen.