Conor McGregor has officially announced that he will not be participating in the UFC’s upcoming event at the White House.
Initially rumored to headline the event on President Donald Trump’s front lawn against Michael Chandler on June 14, McGregor is now anticipated to make his return to the octagon in July instead. UFC CEO Dana White is set to reveal the White House card on Saturday night, but McGregor’s name is expected to be absent, with his comeback fight likely scheduled for July 11.
Speaking to Smash Cast, McGregor expressed his initial enthusiasm about the White House event, stating that the administration had pushed for his presence in what was supposed to be a high-profile matchup against Chandler. However, plans changed, and McGregor is now looking forward to returning for the International Fight Week.
McGregor shared that he respects Chandler as an opponent but felt it was time to move on and get back into the fighting scene after an extended break. He confirmed that he will be returning to the cage in the welterweight division, emphasizing his readiness to face any opponent offered to him.
With McGregor out of the White House card, speculation is rife that Jon Jones could potentially headline the event in his return to the cage, possibly facing former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who recently vacated his 205lb title.