Dana White: Conor McGregor serious about comeback, ‘wants the White House fight'
It's been over four years since the Irish superstar last set foot in the UFC octagon after he suffered a gruesome broken leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier. While he was booked to compete in 2024, McGregor ultimately dropped out of a scheduled matchup against Michael Chandler after suffering a broken toe in training.
These days, McGregor, 37, keeps himself busy as a co-owner at BKFC while running several businesses including a record label, a pub in his native Ireland, and his own beer brand, but he also recently rejoined the UFC's anti-doping program to potentially set the stage for his return.
While nothing is set in stone, UFC CEO Dana White thinks McGregor could legitimately be preparing to compete, especially now that the company is gearing up for a historic, first-ever event at the White House for America's 250th Independence Day celebration hosted by President Donald Trump.
'If you see, he's been posting videos of himself training, he's back in the [drug testing] pool now,' White told Pardon My Take. 'He wants the White House fight.
'Listen if he starts getting in shape and training and stays the course, that's the fight he wants. He keeps telling me he wants that fight. We'll see how it plays out over the next several months.'
With the UFC White House event expected to take place in July 2026, there's plenty of time that still needs to pass before the promotion can even start contemplating potential fights. That said, McGregor actually getting back in the UFC's anti-doping program—after dropping out for the second time in the past four years—could indicate that this comeback talk is real.
If McGregor actually competes again and his return happens at the White House event tentatively expected to take place on July 4 weekend, McGregor would be fighting for the first time since 2021 and just a few days shy of his 38th birthday.
King. Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens are set to face off for the King of Violence title at BKFC 82.
Weirdos. Michael 'Venom' Page appreciates Dricus du Plessis' unorthdox—and winning—style.
Optimism. Joe Rogan thinks the end of the UFC's pay-per-view model could help MMA go 'hypernova.'
Challenge. UFC CEO Dana White knows putting together a card at the White House won't be easy.
Humble. Aaron Pico's son showed no mercy when dad finally signed that UFC contract.
What. Baysangur Susurkaev won a contract on Contender Series less than 48 hours ago. He makes his UFC debut Saturday at UFC 319.
UFC 319 Timeline.
UFC 319 media day.
MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew checks in with Submission Radio.
Justin Gaethje and Daniel Cormier hit the links.
The definitive fight week schedule.
Build that rematch.
The gears were in motion.
Back soon.
Take your nominative determinism and shove it.
Rebrand.
'I just felt like running'
Baysangur Susurkaev (9-0) vs. Eric Nolan (8-3); UFC 319, Aug. 15
Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (14-2); PFL Dubai, Oct. 3
Corey Anderson (19-6, 1 NC) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1); PFL Dubai, Oct. 3
Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens; BKFC 82, Oct. 4
Dricus du Plessis is doing his usual best to sell Saturday's main event, while Khamzat Chimaev looked like he had a dinner reservation to catch talking to reporters at Wednesday's media day. Will any of this matter on fight night? And how has this affected your level of anticipation for the UFC 319 title fight? – Lee
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @AlexanderKlee or @JedKMeshew on Twitter and let us know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and like us on Facebook.
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