UFC President Dana White has spoken publicly for the first time since former two-division champion Conor McGregor was handed an 18-month retroactive suspension by the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) agency, which currently works in partnership with the UFC.
McGregor received the penalty after failing to report his whereabouts on three separate occasions during random testing, a direct violation of the organization’s anti-doping policy. The ruling leaves the Irish star ineligible to compete until next March.
While some fans believed McGregor would be booked for the much-anticipated UFC White House event next summer, White made it clear that nothing has been finalized yet.
White on the White House Card and McGregor’s Status
Speaking to reporters after Tuesday night’s Contender Series event, White addressed rumors that McGregor had already agreed to fight in Washington next summer.
“We’re not even looking at the White House card until February,” White told the media. “We have literally not talked about one fight on the White House card yet. We won’t even start until February. And then, whether he’s [Conor McGregor] available or not [for the event], talk to [Jeff] Novitzky about that.”
White’s comments appear to contradict McGregor’s earlier claims that he had “signed” for the card, reminding fans that official planning for the event has not yet begun.
Dana White is asked about Conor McGregor’s suspension and if he will still be considered for the UFC White House Card:
We have literally not talked about one fight on the White House card yet. We won’t even start until February. And then whether he’s available or not, talk to… pic.twitter.com/ecz6EvgAxg
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 15, 2025
The 18-month suspension was applied retroactively, meaning McGregor could technically return by March 2026. The sanction followed repeated failures to submit his testing location information, which is required under CSAD regulations.
One of the missed whereabouts filings reportedly occurred around the same time McGregor withdrew from UFC 303 due to a foot injury, which fueled additional scrutiny of his compliance with testing rules.
Although no matchup is confirmed, McGregor’s name has again been linked to longtime rival Michael Chandler. The two were originally expected to meet in a welterweight bout last summer, but the fight fell apart after McGregor’s injury withdrawal.
Chandler has repeatedly expressed his readiness to rebook the fight as soon as McGregor is cleared to return. Meanwhile, another former lightweight champion has publicly stated interest in facing McGregor at the White House card, though White emphasized that discussions are premature.
McGregor has remained active on social media, hinting that his comeback is already in motion. However, his current suspension and medical status will determine whether he can be officially licensed. Despite the setback, the former champion has maintained his intention to return stronger than before.
