Conor McGregor names opponent he would fight despite UFC White House Card exclusion Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is still waiting for his long-awaited return to the octagon after the Ultimate Fighting Championship confirmed the historic White House fight card. Despite being strongly linked to headline the event against Michael Chandler on June 14, McGregor’s name was not included in the final lineup. The announcement left fans surprised, as the matchup had been widely discussed for months. Instead, the main event will see Ilia Topuria defend the UFC lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje. The card also features a heavyweight clash between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane for the interim title, while Chandler secured a spot on the undercard against Mauricio Ruffy. McGregor, however, remains sidelined, with no confirmed date for his return. McGregor has made it clear he is eager to fight again, suggesting the UFC is considering the International Fight Week card on July 11 as a potential date for his first bout in nearly five years. The 36-year-old reacted to UFC 326, where Charles Oliveira defeated Max Holloway to claim the BMF title, by expressing openness to facing Oliveira in the future. He tweeted, “If they want I’ll sp**k charlie,” indicating his willingness to take on the Brazilian star if the opportunity arises. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed discussions with McGregor are ongoing, with the promotion exploring options for the Irish superstar to headline another major event once a deal is finalized. McGregor recently appeared on the Smash Cast podcast hosted by Chael Sonnen, where he voiced frustration over the delay in confirming his return.#ufc #conor_mcgregor #michael_chandler #ilia_topuria #justin_gaethje
Conor McGregor confirms date for comeback ahead of UFC White House announcement Conor McGregor has announced he will not compete on the UFC's White House card, which was initially expected to feature him against Michael Chandler. The Irish fighter confirmed his return to the octagon will take place on July 11, shifting his focus away from the June 14 event at the White House. UFC CEO Dana White is set to unveil the details of the White House card on Saturday night, with McGregor's name absent from the lineup. McGregor spoke at length about his decision, stating he had been "up for the White House" but ultimately chose to prioritize his comeback. "I was aware it was the White House," he said in an interview with Smash Cast. "The administration was strong for me to be there. It was McGregor versus Chandler. The story was built in. Chandler is a standup guy, electric in the cage. He comes to bring it. I'm the Mac. I'll fly through the air in an opponent like Chandler. It would have been dynamite as a fight." Despite the initial plans, McGregor revealed that the UFC had reconsidered the matchup. "They said maybe we're going to go with you for International Fight Week," he explained. "I do like Chandler. I've been preparing for him for the last two years. I feel a bit weird; he deserves to go after the waiting and it would be a great fight. It gets me back in there, but you know they feared off it. I'm not going to be too picky. I have to get back. I'm eager to get back." McGregor also confirmed he will return to the welterweight division, stating, "I'm going to do 170. As you know, I'm a big boy. A lot bigger than before. They said, 'We're going to offer you this opponent.' Yes, no problem. I accept day after day after day. That's a great matchup is all you ever hear about out of me, and no contract came.#ufc #jon_jones #dana_white #conor_mcgregor #white_house_card
Jon Jones and Conor McGregor Excluded from UFC's White House Card LAS VEGAS — The UFC’s highly anticipated White House event, officially titled UFC Freedom Fights 250, was announced without two high-profile fighters who had previously expressed interest in competing: Jon Jones and Conor McGregor. Both athletes had lobbied to be included, but their names were absent from the finalized card. McGregor had hoped to face Michael Chandler, while Jones aimed to challenge two-division champion Alex Pereira. Although Chandler and Pereira are scheduled to compete, they face different opponents. Chandler will take on Mauricio Ruffy, and Pereira will compete in an interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the absence of both fighters during a post-UFC 326 media session. White emphasized that Jones was never a consideration for the event, despite prior speculation. He recounted a conversation with Jones’ lawyer, stating, “I sent a text saying, ‘Never going to happen ever.’” White also noted that Jones, who last fought in November 2024 against Stipe Miocic, is currently retired due to health issues. “He’s got arthritis in his hips,” White said. “Doctors told him he needs a hip replacement. Never, ever, ever was Jon Jones even remotely in my mind to fight at the White House.” McGregor’s situation was slightly different. While White confirmed ongoing discussions about a potential return for the Irish star, he clarified that the White House card did not align with McGregor’s plans. “We are definitely talking to Conor,” White said. However, no specific timeline or event was mentioned for McGregor’s comeback. The 34-year-old has not competed since 2024, marking a five-year hiatus from the Octagon.#ufc #jon_jones #dana_white #conor_mcgregor #white_house_card
