On the occasion of former President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, the fight card for the UFC event at the White House has been revealed, surprising many with the absence of a much-anticipated return by former mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor. Initially, McGregor had expressed confidence in his participation, telling Fox News that a deal was in place for him to appear at the event, nonetheless this has not materialized.

The event was expected to be a celebrated gathering, showcasing multiple MMA talents, yet the absence of McGregor, who last fought in 2021, marks a significant change in what fans hoped for. His last bouts ended in losses to fighter Dustin Poirier, raising questions about his future in the sport and leaving fans yearning for a comeback. Other notable fighters such as Jon Jones also expressed their desire to be part of the event but similarly are not featured in the fight card.

In the main event, Georgian-Spanish fighter Ilia Topuria will face American Justin Gaethje, who brings a formidable track record into the octagon. Topuria boasts an impressive undefeated record of 17 wins in 17 matches, while the legendary Gaethje has secured victories in 27 of his 32 UFC bouts. The absence of prominent fighters like McGregor and Jones could alter the event's appeal, raising questions on future UFC line-ups, particularly in relation to star power and audience engagement.