Article by Mihai Dinu – published on Saturday, September 20, 2025, 19:16 / Updated on Saturday, September 20, 2025 19:17
Conor McGregor (37 years old), the former UFC champion in two categories – wedge and light, is preparing for the return to the octagon, after more than four years of absence. He wants to participate in the future UFC gala in the White House, 2026. McGregor made the announcement during an appearance on the Fox & Friends show.
During the show, the Irishman nominated Michael Chandler (39) as a future opponent. He praised his possible combatant, stating that they met on the filming boards of the television series The Ultimate Fighter and remained with a positive impression.
Conor McGregor wants to fight with Michael Chandler at the White House
“I want to fight Michael Chandler. With him I participated in the reality show The Ultimate Fighter, I had some good replies. I was the coach of one of his opponents. He is a good and harsh fighter,” said McGregor.
Despite McGregor's confidence, the executive director of the UFC, Dana White (56 years old), has repeatedly stated that she does not intend to organize struggles for the White House event before February.
However, White has admitted that he is constantly talking to McGregor, and the Irish superstar seems very determined to make his long awaited return to the White House.
The two should have met last year but McGregor's injury canceled the confrontation
McGregor has not fought since he broke his foot in a terrible way in his third match against Dustin Poirier (36 years old). The Irishman and American had to meet in June 2024, but McGregor broke a toe during the workouts, which led to the cancellation of the fight. The match was never rescheduled.
This could change now, because McGregor seems determined to fight at the UFC Gala in the White House, and this is definitely music for Chandler's ears. Just a few days ago, he told MMA Fighting that he was targeting the White House event for his next fight and, ideally, McGregor would be his opponent.
“I think we are closer than ever,” Chandler said about the possible realization of the fight with McGregor. “I have always said that if you are a bet, not necessarily bet on his return, but now things change a lot. In the depths of my soul, I think I will fight with Conor McGregor to the White House and that has a major impact for many reasons,” the American concluded.
It seems that McGregor agrees, and now it only remains for the UFC to officially organize the confrontation they want.
