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Conor McGregor’s return timeline questioned as complications surround UFC White House

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Jan 27, 2026 3:11 PM ET

There is a real chance the UFC might choose to bring Conor McGregor back somewhere other than at the White House event this year.

It has been nearly five years since McGregor last stepped inside the Octagon, when he broke his leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Since then, he has not fought, and there have been plenty of setbacks along the way.

Between injury recovery and ventures outside of fighting, many began to doubt whether we’d ever see him return. But now there is talk of a comeback in 2026 that has started to gain traction again.

After Donald Trump announced plans for UFC fights at the White House this year, marking 250 years since American independence, McGregor wasted no time volunteering to take part.

However, there are several factors around the event that could keep him from headlining…

UFC in tough position with Conor McGregor at sponsorless White House event

Photo By Thomas King/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Dana White did not make any promises about McGregor fighting at the White House during UFC 324 fight week, and there is a lot behind that hesitation.

The UFC’s summer event will have a limited crowd of only VIPs and global dignitaries, meaning no live gate revenue. Furthermore, the $7.7 billion Paramount deal ensures the event will not be pay-per-view.

There is also another factor reported by Ariel Helwani: the card is expected to take place without sponsors.

That could leave the UFC in a tricky situation regarding its biggest name, especially as McGregor prepares to renegotiate his contract after pay-per-view ends for good with the promotion.

Helwani wrote on X: “It’s about to get really interesting with Conor McGregor and the UFC.

“When asked about Conor’s recent comments, Dana White is doing that thing where he says, ‘I don’t hear of anything.’ I don’t buy that for a second. I believe he hears everything.

“I remind you, when the White House card comes around on June 14, there will be no PPV. There will be no gate. And from what I’m hearing, there won’t be any sponsors either.

“That’s going to make things very tricky. I’m not saying Conor won’t come back, but they’ve got a PPV in July. Maybe they save him for that and sell tickets, gate, and all that.”