Jorge Masvidal has made it clear he’s not buying into the hype surrounding Conor McGregor’s supposed comeback for the historic White House UFC event.
The outspoken veteran gave his blunt thoughts in a recent interview, arguing that the Irish star has been talking about returning for years without actually following through.
The UFC has been preparing for a landmark celebration at the White House in 2026 as part of America’s 250th birthday. McGregor has hinted repeatedly at wanting to feature on that card, but Masvidal isn’t convinced he’ll actually make the walk.
Masvidal Questions UFC’s Faith in McGregor
Speaking with BetIdeas, Masvidal wondered why the promotion would even rely on McGregor for such a major event.
“Why would they even consider having Conor McGregor on the White House card?” Masvidal asked. “He’s been saying he’s going to fight for four years now. I feel like at this point they know Conor’s going to pull out, and they’re just getting everyone to buy into the hype before he pulls out three weeks before.”
Masvidal believes McGregor’s current lifestyle plays a huge role in his doubts.
“I don’t see Conor getting in and doing anything,” Masvidal continued. “He’s having a good time doing cocaine, and it’s not that fun to go to the gym and put in the work, to get your ass kicked day in and day out, to run those miles, swim those laps, and have your coaches telling you what time to wake up. He doesn’t want that lifestyle. He’d rather fight at bars.”
Masvidal didn’t hold back on how little he believes McGregor is needed for the event.
“The guy had a great career, but this bulls—t about him coming back? I’ve been hearing this idiot say that for four or five years and then cancel. Just shut the f—k up. Hell no, the card does not need him.”
Masvidal Training for His Own Return
While casting doubt on McGregor’s plans, Masvidal revealed that he’s been keeping himself in fighting shape. The White House card has sparked his motivation to return to competition.
“This White House thing came about and that lit a f—king fire like never before,” he said. “I’ve just been training twice a day, every day, eating right, trying to go to sleep right, and I don’t have a date, I don’t have nothing. The fight’s far away. So I’m just thinking: this is the right thing to get me in there, to get me riled up, so I’m talking to the UFC, my management’s talking to them, to maybe do something.”
For Masvidal, the White House event is the only thing he’s focused on.
“This White House card, that’s all I wanna do. I don’t care about anything else. I gotta talk to my boy Donald Trump.”
McGregor’s UFC Future and What Comes Next
Conor McGregor’s comeback has been a subject of speculation for years. His last official UFC appearance was in July 2021, when he suffered a leg break against Dustin Poirier. He attempted to return in 2024, but a late injury scrapped his planned summer fight during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
His current UFC contract still includes two fights, with one of those rumored to be part of the 2026 White House America250 event. McGregor has stated that his next bout is already agreed upon, though no opponent has been officially announced.
At the same time, he has also been involved with BKFC as a part owner, and has hinted at competing there in the future. This has raised questions about where his priorities truly lie — inside the Octagon, or outside of it.
If McGregor completes his remaining UFC bouts, he would then have the freedom to explore fights elsewhere. However, his inconsistent activity and lifestyle choices have created real uncertainty about whether he’ll even make it to fight night.
Masvidal’s harsh comments echo what many in the MMA community have started to wonder: whether the Conor McGregor of old still exists, or if his career is slowly drifting away from competition.
