Brandon Moreno will not be participating in the much discussed UFC White House card.
Last year, it was announced that the UFC will promote a blockbuster fight card on the White House lawn as part of the celebrations of America’s 250th anniversary. The card will occur on June 14 — President Donald Trump’s birthday — rather than the Fourth of July. It is expected to feature numerous title fights, and have higher production costs than any event in UFC history.
From the moment the UFC White House event was announced, fighters have been clamoring for a spot on the bill. That includes former two-division champions Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, as well as stars like Sean O’Malley, Colby Covington, Michael Chandler, and Sean Strickland. Non-American fighters like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria have also expressed interest in competing on the card.
You will not hear any begging from Mexico’s Moreno.
Speaking to the media ahead of his return to action at UFC Mexico this weekend, Moreno was asked about fighting on the White House card.
He expressed total disinterest in doing so.
Brandon Moreno emphatically rejects UFC White House participation
Brandon Moreno shut down a reporter who asked about the UFC White House event 👀
“I want you to tell me why I would want to fight there? For what? No. I’m not interested.” pic.twitter.com/jYTVAxAhOT
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 26, 2026
“I want you to tell me why I would want to fight there?” Moreno said. “For what? No. I’m not interested.”
Moreno did not specify why exactly he has no interest in fighting at the White House. However, fans were quick to speculate it has to do with President Trump’s treatment of Latin American immigrants, particular through his deployment of ICE in major urban centers.
Moreno will headline this Saturday’s UFC Mexico card (if it happens). He will be taking on Lone’er Kavanagh, who stepped in on short notice to replace Asu Almabayev.