Conor McGregor has begun training for his return to the UFC in 2026, which is likely take place at the White House, although he is uncertain if Michael Chandler will be his opponent.
The pair have been linked ever since they coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter back in 2023. They filmed a full season together and were set to meet the following June at UFC 303, but that fight was called off after ‘The Notorious’ broke a toe.
Since then, they have not been able to agree on a new date, and Chandler has lost two fights in the meantime.
While both have expressed interest in meeting at the UFC White House event next summer, McGregor recently said he is open to fighting someone else if the Chandler matchup does not come together.
Conor McGregor expects UFC White House decision in February
It has been nearly five years since McGregor last stepped into the octagon, his layoff stretching back to a broken leg suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Now, he has already begun early preparations for a comeback, even with the fight still several months away.
In an interview with Bloody Elbow, held at his Dublin bar The Black Forge Inn, McGregor made it clear he is not concerned about the details as long as he gets back in the cage.
“The White House is on,” he said.
“We’re just waiting for full confirmation. I assume around February they’ll come reaching out and matchmaking and all that. That’s what they say. So I’m just staying ready in the gym two times a day.”
Michael Chandler’s White House hopes may be hit by Conor McGregor comments
McGregor has long expressed interest in facing Michael Chandler, but his main focus now seems to be getting back into the Octagon. He said he is ready to accept any opponent as long as there is a contract in front of him.
“I’m motivated, self-motivated. I for sure want a crack at that 170lb belt to go for the triple crown… I hope [it’s Michael Chandler], but I won’t say no to anyone.
“The UFC will decide it, but I don’t care. I just want to come back, I am so eager to come back and show my work.”
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