Conor McGregor has finally set his sights on a comeback. After years away from competition, the former UFC double champ says his return will take place on the sport’s biggest stage yet — the 2026 White House card. And if his words hold true, his long-awaited opponent will be Michael Chandler.
“The Mac is excited to get back for sure. I’m on [the White House card],” McGregor said. “This is me.
“[I’m fighting] Michael Chandler. Michael Chandler and myself have done the show The Ultimate Fighter, we’ve had a good back and forth. He’s a good, tough guy.”
While McGregor is confident about his comeback, UFC CEO Dana White has been more cautious in making promises about the card. White has said fight announcements for the White House event likely won’t be made until February 2026, but he acknowledged that McGregor is actively pushing for his return.
Behind the scenes, White has kept an open line of communication with McGregor, admitting the former champion is “very serious” about being part of the historic showcase in Washington, D.C.
Conor McGregor wants Michael Chandler at the UFC White House event 👀
“Michael Chandler and myself have done The Ultimate Fighter. He’s a good, tough guy. The Mac is excited to get back.”
🎥 @foxandfriends pic.twitter.com/mx5yb6BTyO
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 20, 2025
Rivalry With Chandler Runs Deep
McGregor and Chandler already have unfinished business. The two coached opposite one another on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, creating plenty of anticipation for their eventual clash. They were initially booked to fight in June 2024, but McGregor suffered a broken toe during training camp, forcing the cancellation. The bout was never rebooked, leaving fans waiting for the rivalry to be resolved.
Now, both fighters appear aligned on bringing the matchup to the White House lawn. Chandler told MMA Fighting just days earlier that his “ideal scenario” was to meet McGregor at the 2026 event — and McGregor’s comments seem to confirm those plans.
McGregor hasn’t competed since his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, when he suffered a devastating leg fracture. Since then, recovery setbacks, cancelled bouts, and time away from competition have delayed his return.
If the fight with Chandler materializes, it will mark McGregor’s first appearance in over four years, adding even more intrigue to an already historic card staged on the White House lawn.
