Yardbarker
x
Conor McGregor volunteers for White House UFC fight
Conor McGregor. Jon Durr-Imagn Images

'Count me in': Conor McGregor volunteers for White House UFC fight after Trump announcement

In advance of the United States' 250th birthday, President Donald Trump made a stunning — and wholly unexpected — announcement: The White House will host a UFC title fight.

"We're going to have a UFC fight on the grounds of the White House," Trump said in Des Moines, Iowa, on Thursday. We have a lot of land there. Every one of our national parks, battlefields, and historic sites are going to have special events in honor of America 250. And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight."

Equally shocking and historic, Trump's announcement spread like wildfire on social media and even caught the attention of former two-division champion Conor McGregor. The hard-hitting southpaw cheerfully offered to join the White House-based UFC fight card in an Independence Day social media post:

McGregor, 36, hasn't fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but he could be the perfect fighter for next summer's marquee event.

McGregor is no stranger to megafights in uncanny environments, having previously stepped out of the octagon and into the squared circle for a multimillion-dollar boxing match with legendary lightweight Floyd Mayweather. 

Known for his scrappiness and quick temper, McGregor has earned a reputation as someone ready to fight anywhere and at any time, and he wants to put that belief to the test at the White House.

McGregor, who announced he is running for president in his native Ireland, later reshared a photo of his visit with Trump at the Oval Office.

Should he become Ireland's president, the UFC legend believes that it would up the stakes of a potential bout at the White House.

"July 4th next year is a Saturday, regarding President Trump UFC White House event," McGregor shared on social media. "I will be reigning President of Ireland just under 1 year when I step out on the lawns of the White House to throw down. Epic proportions! Or as I like to call it, Tuesday at the office."

Trump predicts that next summer's bout will be a title fight with 20,000 to 25,000 people in attendance. 

"We're going to have some incredible events," Trump said. "Some professional events, some amateur events. But the UFC fight is going to be a big deal, too."

While the announcement to host a fight at the White House is shocking, Trump's interest in combat sports isn't surprising.

Trump and UFC CEO Dana White are friends, and Trump has attended multiple UFC events before and during his presidency. Recently, Trump appeared at UFC 314 in Miami.

Trump once competed against former WWE chairman Vince McMahon in the "Battle of the Billionaires" match at WrestleMania 23.

Jalyn Smoot

Jalyn Smoot is a University of North Texas graduate passionate about writing, sports, and film. Throughout his near decade-long career as a freelance reporter, he has been featured on Bleacher Report, Major League Baseball, Apple News, Fox Sports, and NewsBreak.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!