Israel Adesanya opens door to UFC White House fight on one condition

Israel Adesanya has suggested he wouldn’t refuse a UFC White House offer if one was presented.

The UFC White House bill is shaping up to be arguably the biggest in the promotion’s history, with the event endorsed by US president Donald Trump for June 14.

UFC

A whole host of Dana White‘s promotions’ leading superstars are competing for a slot on the bill including Jon Jones and Conor McGregor, with the latter closest to featuring.

White confirmed that the line-up is set to be discussed and finalised in the coming days, upon the conclusion of the inaugural Zuffa Boxing show and UFC 324 headlined by Paddy Pimblett.

Pimblett and Tom Aspinall are others who have already ruled themselves out of the running for the event.

But Adesanya, one of the UFC’s biggest star names, insists he would fight on the bill, but only if an authentic MMA fanbase have access to attend the event on the South Lawn.

He explained on The Ariel Helwani Show: “I wouldn’t say no, but I hope there are some fans there — like actual MMA fans.

“I don’t really want to fight in front of a bunch of suits who don’t really care about MMA.

“I want fans to be able to go to the fight and watch the show as well. Yeah, I wouldn’t say no.”

Adesanya would be a notable name to feature on the bill, and would likely bring further commercial benefit to the blockbuster event.

‘The Last Stylebender’ is sixth in the middleweight rankings, and could hope to make a surprise move to face champion Khamzat Chimaev despite his form.

Adesanya’s return vs Joe Pyfer

But before any speculation over the UFC White House bill, the Nigerian must get back to winning ways.

Getty

And he will first make his return bow against powerful striker Joe Pyfer in a fascinating main event at UFC Seattle Fight Night on March 28.

It is a crossroads outing for the 36-year-old who is desperate to halt a three-fight losing skid which has rumbled on since 2023.

Many suggested that we had ultimately seen the best of Adesanya, but he bravely accepted what many have suggested is a risky contest.

And he believes it is dangerous, but what is needed to breathe new life into his declining MMA career.

He added:  “The Pyfer fight is just what I need to come back to.

“He is a dangerous opponent they’re trying to feed me to.This is a game. This is what happens.

“I’ve watched this game for years. I know how they try – sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail – but that’s just the nature of the beast.”