Alexander Volkanovski, Conor McGregor and Dana White (Photo by Imagn Images)

Alexander Volkanovski Urges Dana White To Make Exception For Conor McGregor At White House Card

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Feb 28, 2026 2:08 PM ET

Conor McGregor has not fought since UFC 264 in July 2021, when Dustin Poirier finished him after he broke his leg in the first round. That is nearly four years of absence from the sport, filled with constant comeback rumors, media noise, and near-announcements that never quite materialized into a scheduled fight. Meanwhile, given there is rumor McGregor will return at the June 14 card, Alexander Volkanovski doesn’t see any better option than him to headline.

Volkanovski thinks the UFC needs to stop overthinking this one. With a high-profile event set for the White House on June 14, the question of who headlines has become its own subplot. Volkanovski’s answer is simple: it has to be McGregor, rules or not.

He said, “You can’t have Conor McGregor not headline it – it wouldn’t make sense. I think a few of the standard things go out the window for this type of event.”

Alexander Volkanovski says the UFC could adjust its title criteria to have Conor McGregor headline the White House event.

"You can’t have Conor McGregor not headline it – it wouldn’t make sense. I think a few of the standard things go out the window for this type of event."… pic.twitter.com/jaTpANKYx1
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 28, 2026

The standard things he is referring to are the UFC’s usual criteria around title fights, anchoring main events. Traditionally, if a fight is not for a belt, it takes some justification to put it above championship bouts on a card.

Volkanovski is essentially saying that justification already exists in the name alone, and on an event of this scale and visibility, that argument is hard to knock down. The UFC has never been shy about bending its own rules when the moment demanded it. Volkanovski is simply pointing out that this is one of those moments.

Conor McGregor Leads UFC 2026 Drug Tests, Fires Back At Critics

Conor McGregor (Image Credits: Imagn)

McGregor leads the UFC’s 2026 drug testing list as fresh numbers come out. The latest update from the UFC Anti-Doping program on Feb. 27 shows 597 fighters tested so far in 2026, with 771 total samples collected. McGregor topped the chart in individual test sessions with three.

To which he reacted, “Well no surprise there. As always, the most tested.”

Well no surprise there. As always, the most tested. https://t.co/XoBf2YxvdI
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 27, 2026

Indeed, it will be interesting to see if he finally makes his comeback. The last time he was scheduled to fight, he pulled out at the last moment. This time, though, he looks serious. He keeps posting about his comeback and sharing clips from his training sessions. He seems locked in, but fans will believe it fully only when he steps back inside the octagon.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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