UFC superstar Conor McGregor has issued a defiant response after promotion president Dana White emphatically ruled out a long-awaited showdown with Michael Chandler.
White's Blunt Dismissal of Historic Bout
In a recent interview, White was asked directly about the possibility of McGregor finally facing his rival, Michael Chandler, at a historic UFC event planned for the White House lawn. His reply was succinct and left little room for interpretation. "No," stated White, adding, "I mean, that was a couple of years ago."
When pressed further on whether he would entertain the matchup, White reiterated, "No [that's nothing I would entertain]." He concluded by casting doubt on McGregor's fighting future, saying, "We'll see if Conor's going to come back or not. We've been talking about it for a while - we'll see how it plays out. I don't know, though."
McGregor's Terse and Confident Retort
Despite this significant setback from the UFC's top executive, the 37-year-old former two-weight champion appeared anything but concerned. Taking to social media platform X, McGregor posted a characteristically bold message aimed at the promotion.
"Pick who ya want!" McGregor wrote. "The Mac sweats nothing and nobody. I'm TASTY SHOTS."
This exchange marks the latest chapter in a protracted saga. McGregor has not competed since breaking his leg in a defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. He and Chandler served as opposing coaches on 'The Ultimate Fighter' season 31 in 2023, with a fight planned thereafter, but a training injury forced McGregor to withdraw.
Timeline, Suspension, and Chandler's Disappointment
McGregor's potential return has been further complicated by a suspension from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). After missing three drug tests in 2024, he initially faced a two-year ban. This has since been reduced, and he is now serving an 18-month suspension, eligible to return from March 20, 2026.
The development is a clear blow to Michael Chandler, who has been vocal about his desire for the lucrative fight. Speaking to ESPN recently, Chandler expressed high confidence. "The odds are higher than they ever have been, at this point," he claimed.
Chandler detailed the mutual interest, stating, "Conor wants to fight me at the White House, I want to fight him at the White House. Conversations are being had, things are moving in that direction." He acknowledged the uncertainty inherent to MMA but remained hopeful, adding he was "laser-focused on June."
The historic event, set for June 14 – coinciding with former President Donald Trump's birthday – will see fights held on the White House's South Lawn. While tickets are not available to the public, Dana White revealed plans for a massive fan zone. Up to 5,000 guests will be on the lawn itself, with space for 85,000 more in the nearby Ellipse park with giant screens.
White promised a week-long takeover of Washington D.C., culminating in a unique spectacle where "fighters will actually walk from the Oval Office to the octagon." Whether Conor McGregor will be one of those fighters, and against whom, remains the sport's most compelling unanswered question.
