Anticipation surrounding the UFC’s historic White House card continues to grow, and UFC CEO Dana White has now offered a major hint about one heavyweight fan-favorite potentially joining the lineup—provided he clears one crucial hurdle. Speaking after the conclusion of UFC 323, White revealed that Derrick Lewis could find himself competing on one of the most high-profile cards in promotional history, but only if he delivers in his upcoming bout.
Derrick Lewis must win to secure White House spot
Lewis, now 40 and still one of the most recognisable knockout artists in the sport, last competed in July when he defeated Tallison Teixeira. He is set to return at UFC 324 against fellow heavy hitter Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a matchup that could determine whether he earns a place on the White House event next June.
When asked whether Paramount was prepared for a classic Lewis post-fight moment, Dana White quickly redirected attention to the significance of Lewis potentially competing at an event of such magnitude. “Is the White House ready for Derrick Lewis?” he fired back, highlighting both Lewis’s star power and his reputation for viral post-fight interviews.
White made it clear that Lewis’s participation hinges on his performance at UFC 324. With the White House card expected to attract massive global attention, every slot is being reserved for fighters who can deliver on the sport’s biggest stage.
Donald Trump’s support adds fuel to the possibility
While White has not received any direct requests from President Donald Trump regarding the card’s matchups, he did share a notable detail: the President is an avid fan of the heavyweight knockout king.
“President Trump loves Derrick Lewis,” Dana White said. “Loves Derrick Lewis and he hasn’t told me to do anything. He will not stop talking about Derrick Lewis, so it’s a big fight for Derrick coming up.”
With the UFC planning one of the most ambitious events in its history—set for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House—being singled out by the President himself adds compelling weight to Lewis’s potential inclusion. The card promises to be unlike anything the promotion has executed before, and Lewis’s name now sits firmly in the conversation.
A high-stakes return for “The Black Beast”
For Lewis, the path is straightforward: defeat Cortes-Acosta and keep his momentum alive. A victory would not only extend his storied knockout legacy but could earn him a slot on a card designed to showcase the UFC’s most recognisable talents.
With global attention building and the White House stage set, Derrick Lewis now faces one of the most consequential fights of his career—win, and a historic opportunity awaits.