Dana White Calls Khabib Nurmagomedov for White House Fight; UFC Future Plans & Fighter Pay

UFC 324 Backup & Gaethje's Future

• 💡 Arman Tsarukyan confirmed he is staying in the US as a backup fighter for Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, ready to step in due to Gaethje's staff infection.
• ✅ Tsarukyan is on a strict diet and aims to win the UFC's trust after missing a chance last year due to a hernia injury that may require surgery.
• 🎯 Justin Gaethje's team considers this his last title run, indicating he will not continue as a gatekeeper if he loses, making it an all-or-nothing fight.

UFC's Evolving Business Model

• 🚀 Dana White outlined the UFC's future with Paramount, emphasizing a shift away from the traditional pay-per-view model towards subscription-based global viewing.
• 💰 White believes this new model will offer cheaper access for fans and more exposure for fighters, while still ensuring fair fighter pay based on old PPV math.
• 📈 The UFC plans aggressive scheduling with back-to-back numbered events and five major initiatives with CBS and Paramount from 2020-2026.

Khabib's Potential White House Return

• 📞 A Russian MMA journalist reported that Dana White personally called Khabib Nurmagomedov to discuss a potential return fight at a White House event.
• 💸 Reports suggest a staggering $100 million offer for Khabib's single fight return, potentially backed by Saudi businessmen, which would shatter UFC pay records.
• ✅ President Donald Trump is reportedly fully on board with the idea, viewing Khabib as the top pound-for-pound fighter even after retirement.

Fighter Drama: Covington & Rockhold vs. Nickal

• 💥 At a press conference, Colby Covington and Luke Rockhold publicly criticized Bo Nickal for demanding the main event spot over them.
• 🥊 The veteran fighters mocked Nickal's perceived entitlement and his first pro MMA loss to Reineier Ditter in 2025, where he was stopped by a body knee.
• 🏆 Bo Nickal, a three-time NCAA Division 1 champ and U23 world champ, argued his wrestling credentials and high-profile fight warranted the main event.