In a recent podcast on The Pat McAfee Show, White explicitly dismissed the long-discussed McGregor - Michael Chandler fight for this event: "The McGregor - Chandler fight is not what we're planning for the White House. That's old news, it's been a few years."
At the same time, he left the door wide open for Conor himself: "McGregor is definitely a contender for participation in this event. We have a great relationship with him, we're in constant contact."
Matchmaking for the tournament is officially starting in the coming days (according to White - next week), and the full card should be assembled by mid-February.
The UFC White House, timed to the 80th birthday of Donald Trump and the 250th anniversary of the USA, is already being called the most expensive event in the company's history - the budget is rumored to significantly exceed the $20 million spent on the show in the Sphere.