Tue. Jul 8th, 2025

‘I ain’t ready for that smoke’… Kayla Harrison hilariously shuts down champ vs champ pitch for UFC White House

President Donald Trump`s announcement about a potential UFC event held at the White House has sparked considerable discussion among fans and fighters.

Speculation immediately began regarding potential high-profile matchups for the event, which Trump suggested could take place on Independence Day in 2026. Among the fan dreams is the possibility of seeing Jon Jones finally face Tom Aspinall.

Conor McGregor has also contributed to the buzz, hinting at a possible return to the Octagon on that specific date for a long-awaited clash with Michael Chandler.

While fans envision massive fights headlining the unique event, one supporter put forward an unexpected proposal to the promotion’s current women’s bantamweight champion, Kayla Harrison.

However, it appears this unconventional idea for a first-of-its-kind UFC title fight did not gain approval from Harrison herself.

Kayla Harrison reacts humorously to suggestion of fighting Merab Dvalishvili at the White House

Kayla Harrison is already preparing for one of the most significant fights of the year, set to face Amanda Nunes upon `The Lioness“ return to competition.

Should the new champion successfully defend against Nunes, the landscape for compelling future challenges at 135 pounds currently seems somewhat limited.

Following Donald Trump`s announcement, Harrison was active on social media. She notably dismissed a call-out from UFC welterweight Phil Rowe regarding the potential White House event, adding to her responses about the topic.

Beneath a graphic Harrison posted showing her with the bantamweight title alongside the flag of the United States and several eagles, a fan made a distinct suggestion.

“I speak for all UFC fans when I say WE want Harrison vs [Merab] Dvalishvili to headline UFC WH [White House]”

This pitch, suggesting a clash between the promotion`s two current bantamweight champions on Independence Day, was swiftly rejected by the former two-time Olympic gold medalist.

In a brief, humorous response, Harrison acknowledged the impressive career run of Merab Dvalishvili while making it clear she has no intention of competing for a second UFC title in the men`s bantamweight division.

“I ain’t ready for that smoke sweetie”

As the UFC’s only American champion, Kayla Harrison is a likely candidate for the event

Kayla Harrison`s inclusion in the UFC event at the White House makes considerable sense for multiple reasons.

If she defeats Amanda Nunes later this year, she would solidify her status as a leading figure in women`s mixed martial arts.

Beyond her potential standing in the sport, Harrison has a strong connection to representing the United States, having won two Olympic gold medals. Crucially, following Jon Jones` retirement, she is currently the only American champion in the entire promotion.

With limited prospects for other new American champions emerging in the near future (outside of a potential challenge from Cory Sandhagen for Merab Dvalishvili`s belt), Harrison`s position as the sole American champion further enhances the probability of her being featured on such a nationally significant card.

By Adrian Whitmore

Adrian Whitmore, 41, brings over fifteen years of experience covering tennis and golf tournaments from his base in Liverpool. His distinctive storytelling approach combines statistical analysis with behind-the-scenes insights.

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