Conor McGregor has not competed for the UFC since July 2021.
But he intends to change that in the summer of 2026.
United States President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White have plans in motion for the White House to host a UFC event next June on the South Lawn. Fighting at the White House would be a remarkable milestone for the UFC, especially with fighter weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial and fight night walkouts that extend from the Oval Office straight to the Octagon.
And McGregor believes he should fight in the headline bout.
“That’s my focus right now,” said McGregor, who recently withdrew from the Irish presidential election. “There’s a lot at stake and I’m very excited for the opportunity.”
McGregor was scheduled to return in June 2024 in a bout against Michael Chandler. But citing a toe injury, he withdrew in the 11th hour. Perhaps that is why McGregor’s fight has not been confirmed by White. Yet that has not deterred McGregor from boldly stating he is fighting Chandler at the White House.
Once the most feared fighter in the world, McGregor, 37, remains the sport’s premier star. But a Hollywood lifestyle has effectively removed him from the cage. In addition to fame dulling his desire to fight, McGregor also required a lengthy rehab after fracturing his tibia and fibula in his last fight four years ago against Dustin Poirier.
“I was right there for my last one,” said McGregor, who lost that fight by TKO after doctor stoppage. “A slight lapse in concentration led to an injury. I wish to correct that and show what I’m about. I’m eager to get back, and we’ll see what the future holds after that.”
Even when McGregor isn’t fighting, the sport still revolves around him. As co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, McGregor has brought a bright spotlight to a growing brand. Over the past year and a half, he has proven to be the perfect spokesman for a combat sport where fighters strike one another with their bare hands.
“These fighters are fearless,” said McGregor. “And the fights are unforgiving and intense.”
McGregor will be ringside Saturday night for BKFC-82, which should be a monumental event for the promotion. Headlined by Mike Perry against Jeremy Stephens in a light heavyweight clash, McGregor anticipates a sellout at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
“It’s a testament to the rapid rise of Bare Knuckle Championship Fighting,” said McGregor, who stated he eventually plans on fighting for BKFC. “I’ll be watching as an owner as well as a competitor. I’m a fighter through and through – that’s who I am.”
BKFC founder and president David Feldman has worked closely with McGregor since they partnered together in April 2024. A long proponent of bare knuckle fighting, Feldman advocated for the sport at a time when its future appeared bleak. Yet the addition of McGregor, who Feldman believes is the best promoter in combat sports, has helped rewrite BKFC’s future.
“When Conor talks, people listen,” said Feldman. “He’s been there – he’s been punched in his face and that’s why he gets this so much. There’s no better promoter than Conor McGregor. And now that he’s more focused than ever, it’s an even better version of Conor.”
Despite promises of grandeur, McGregor’s future remains full of speculation and uncertainty. There is considerable doubt he will ever fight again, let alone on a card as high stakes as the one planned for the White House. And he still has political aspirations, which could change his decision to return to the cage.
But McGregor will be present for the BKFC-82 event, where he is guaranteed to make headlines. He also vowed to bring BKFC to Boston in the coming year.
“I’m unbeaten in Boston,” said McGregor, who won both of his UFC fights at TD Garden in spectacular fashion. “I’ve had incredible moments in Boston – what a place. We haven’t been to Boston yet, but Boston is definitely happening. Our future is very, very bright, and we’ll see you soon in Boston.”
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