Conor McGregor’s octagon return appears to be closer to happening than ever. The former two-division UFC titleholder claims that he’ll fighting Michael Chandler on the UFC fight card at the White House next summer.
Chandler and McGregor coached The Ultimate Fighter 31 that aired in the 2023 summer. He was scheduled to face Chandler in the UFC 303 main event in June 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but was forced out of the bout due to a toe injury.
UFC CEO Dana White wanted McGregor to be featured on the historic White House event and McGregor seems more than willing, naming his opponent.
During a recent interview with The W.A.D.E. Concept, White was asked who he’d like to headline the fight card. He quickly responded, “Conor.”
“I’m on it. I am, McGregor told FOX & Friends. “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. And ‘The Mac’ is excited to be back, for sure.”
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
McGregor has been out of action since breaking his leg in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. McGregor last tasted victory in January 2020, defeating Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone via technical knockout in just 40 seconds.
Chandler (23-10) last fought in April, losing to rising star Paddy Pimblett via submission in the third round. The former three-time Bellator MMA lightweight champion, Chandler has struggled since arriving in the UFC in 2021. He’s gone 2-5 inside the octagon, losing his last three contests.
