Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were set to settle their long-standing rivalry at UFC 303 last year, before McGregor withdrew at short notice due to injury. McGregor, who hasn’t fought since a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, has repeatedly teased a return to the Octagon at the White House later this year.
McGregor and Chandler faced off as coaches The ultimate fighterand were expected to clash in the cage before the UFC 303 debacle. Chandler has since lost back-to-back fights to Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett after his long wait for McGregor.
Despite some fans dreading the prospect of McGregor vs. Having given up on Chandler, it looks like we’re on the verge of another big fight announcement.
Would Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler could headline UFC White House?
During a New Year’s Eve broadcast on CBSthe UFC’s new broadcast partner, Chandler, made an appearance and was asked about his plans for 2026.
“I will say it’s going to be a big year,” Chandler said.
“There’s a rumor going around, we can’t confirm or deny it, but it sounds like I’ll be giving Conor McGregor a good old fashioned, passionate red, white and blue ass on the South Lawn of the White House sometime this summer.
“That’s the plan. Let’s go.” (h/t Bloody elbow)
Chandler is looking for his first win since knocking out Tony Ferguson at UFC 274. He is 2-5 in his promotion run since signing with the UFC in 2020 after a lengthy stint with Bellator.
McGregor has not won inside the Octagon since knocking out Donald Cerrone in January 2020. He lost back-to-back fights to Poirier in 2021 before taking a long break from fighting.
McGregor and Jon Jones have both indirectly made their case to UFC CEO Dana White to headline the unprecedented card at the White House. The fights for the card are expected to be finalized and announced by the matchmakers in March or April.
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