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Dillon Danis says Dana White made ‘fumble of the century’ with Conor McGregor’s White House absence

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 1:54 AM ET

Conor McGregor will not be making the walk in Washington D.C.

Like fellow UFC star Jon Jones, McGregor is not on the White House card, which will celebrate 250 years of American Independence this June.

McGregor immediately called for a White House spot after President Donald Trump announced UFC fights in Washington D.C. last summer, but the lineup’s reveal passed by on Saturday without mention of the Irishman.

That, according to one of his former training partners, was a big mistake.

Dillon Danis says Conor McGregor should have been announced for UFC White House

The full White House slate was revealed amid a disappointing UFC 326 numbered event in Las Vegas, which ended with Charles Oliveira’s BMF title win over Max Holloway.

Two title fights will headline proceedings on June 14, with Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje unifying the lightweight titles in the main event after Alex Pereira challenges for a historic third title against Ciryl Gane.

The likes of Sean O’Malley, Michael Chandler, and Bo Nickal are set to compete on the undercard.

Among those reacting to the news was Dillon Danis, a former teammate of McGregor’s. He was bemused to see the UFC turn down the chance for a huge viral announcement about the Dublin native returning at the White House.

“Imagine the pop in that arena and around the world if they announced @TheNotoriousMMA on the White House card,” Danis wrote on X.

“Fumble of the century,” he added.

Imagine the pop in that arena and around the world if they announced @TheNotoriousMMA on the White House card. Fumble of the century.
— Dillon Danis (@dillondanis) March 8, 2026

McGregor’s absence on the card was not a surprise when it was announced during UFC 326.

The Irishman had already confirmed that the promotion had other plans earlier in the day, suggesting that financial motives made the UFC hesitant to involve him in an occasion that does not need the sport’s biggest star to attract eyeballs.

‘The Notorious’ is instead expected to return at a later arena event that will bring with it a gate for the UFC, allowing them to get the biggest financial gain from McGregor’s return.

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

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