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Conor McGregor reveals ‘definite’ UFC return plan following Dana White’s green light

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Sep 13, 2025 7:03 AM ET

Conor McGregor insisted he is “motivated” to compete in his latest passionate plea for a spot on one special UFC card in 2026.

McGregor has not be in action since 2021, when a gruesome broken leg brought his trilogy fight against the now retired Dustin Poirier to an earlier-than-anticipated end.

Since then, the Irishman’s antics outside the cage and a failed return against Michael Chandler in 2024 have left many writing off any chance of the UFC’s first-ever simultaneous two-division champion making his way back to the Octagon.

But talk of McGregor’s UFC comeback was sparked once again earlier this year when Donald Trump revealed plans for a White House event. That claim was later corroborated by Dana White, who says plans are fully in motion.

Among other prominent names, ‘The Notorious’ wants in.

MCGREGOR’S RETURN! https://t.co/nbF9ItG1Md
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 5, 2025

Conor McGregor’s UFC return ‘definitely’ happening as he takes ownership of White House event

Almost immediately, McGregor showed interest in the White House plan. And in the months since it first rose to the surface, the Dubliner has not slowed down in his pursuit of a comeback fight at the special venue.

The 37-year-old once again addressed the topic while speaking to Adam Glyn. Although he has recently shown increasing interest in a political career, McGregor said his return at the White House is still “definitely” happening.

“I am ecstatic! The Mac is back,” McGregor said.

“What better event than to grace the White House lawn for a straightener, what I do best. I am very, very excited, very eager, very motivated; bring it on, baby!

“I am very happy that it’s June,” McGregor continued. “It was July, now it’s a month earlier. Even better! Bring it to April, why not? Let’s celebrate my birthday early.

“That’s a definitely (fighting at the White House). For sure. That is my event, for sure.”

Conor McGregor says he will "DEFINITELY" fight at the UFC White House event in June 2026

"That's a definitely, for sure. That's my event."

@adamglyn pic.twitter.com/UDgkEkzEL2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 13, 2025

Dana White trusts Conor McGregor over Jon Jones

McGregor’s chances of fighting at the White House have received constant boosts from the UFC president. The same, however, cannot be said for another of the promotion’s top stars.

Alongside ‘The Notorious’, Jon Jones has outlined his intention to return for the celebratory event in Washington D.C. But White quickly dismissed Jones fighting at the White House, branding him too unreliable.

During a recent interview on Wade Plemons’ YouTube channel, White doubled down on that, insisting McGregor is far more trustworthy for such an occasion.

“(Jones) is the greatest of all time, I still know that to be a fact,” White said. “But he’s not the greatest of all time ‘guy you can count on that you know 100 percent is going to be solid and be there’.

“Say what you want about Conor McGregor because people like to talk s— about that too, but he is that guy. He’s always been that guy.

“There are a lot of guys who talk tough publicly but behind the scenes it’s a whole other ball game. When the s— hits the fan, who’s really willing to go out there? Conor McGregor has always been that guy,” White added.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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