Israel Adesanya explains why he lost all interest in fighting at UFC White House card

Israel Adesanya initially had some interest in participating in the much discussed UFC White House event. However, his interest eventually waned, and now he’d rather not be anywhere near it.

The UFC White House card goes down on June 14. That’s Donald Trump’s 80th birthday, but the event is actually intended to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, which occurs on July 4. While the date of the event is a bit of a head scratcher, it is expected to be one of the most elaborate shows the UFC has put on to date, with a price tag of well over $50 million.

Given the scale of the event, many UFC fighters were quick to ask for a chance to participate. That included the likes of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, and for a short time, Adesanya.

Since initially expressing interest, Adesanya has completely soured on the event. He explained why in an interview with Complex. While he didn’t give exact reasons, it was clear that the rapidly changed political climate has shifted his position.

Israel Adesanya blows off UFC White House event: ‘The world was different’

“I was only interested because at the time, the world was different,” Adesanya said. “Now, the way things are… I won’t even go watch it there. I’ll watch it from the comfort of my own house in New Zealand.”

Adesanya, who has met President Trump before, was then asked to clarify.

“You don’t even to be in the states close to that at all?” the interviewer asked.

“Nope,” the UFC star responded. See it below.

Israel Adesanya is NOT interested in fighting at or attending the UFC White House event 😬

“I was only interested because at the time, the world was different. Now, the way things are… I won’t even go watch it there.”

(via @Complex)pic.twitter.com/IoS2LhGIXP

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 26, 2026

Adesanya is currently gearing up for a clash with rising middleweight contender Joe Pyfer. The bout will headline Saturday’s UFC Seattle card. It will mark his chance to rebound from a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov, and may well be the final fight of his career if he loses.