Conor McGregor has officially confirmed that his long-awaited UFC comeback will be against long-time rival Michael Chandler — and it will take place on one of the most historic stages in combat sports history.
The Irish superstar, 37, will headline UFC’s unprecedented “White House Card” next June, marking his first fight since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
UFC president Dana White has billed the event — the first in history to be staged at the presidential residence — as a “spectacle for the ages”, promising a stacked card of champions and legends.
McGregor had been widely expected to face Chandler, 39, after the two served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023.
Their planned bout at UFC 303 last summer was scrapped just a fortnight before fight night after McGregor broke his toe during sparring — a setback that threatened to derail his comeback indefinitely.
Now, after years of speculation, the Notorious has ended the suspense. Speaking live on Fox & Friends on Friday morning, McGregor said: “The Mac is excited to get back for sure.
Chandler, a former Bellator champion who last fought in April — a defeat to Paddy Pimblett — had recently dropped hints that the bout was closer than ever to being finalised.
“I think we’re closer now than we ever have been,” Chandler told MMA Fighting earlier this month.
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Conor McGregor will face Michael Chandler next year
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GETTY“I’ve always said if you’re a betting man, don’t put money on him necessarily coming back, but now this changes things a lot.
“In my heart of hearts, I think I’m fighting Conor McGregor at the White House and that sure does make a ton of sense for a multitude of reasons.”
McGregor’s return will not only be one of the biggest moments in UFC history but could also have major ramifications for the lightweight division.
Once the simultaneous featherweight and lightweight champion, McGregor has not won a fight since his 2020 victory over Donald Cerrone, yet remains the organisation’s biggest global star.
The UFC is expected to build the June card as a once-in-a-generation event, with further matchups to be announced in the coming months.
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Conor McGregor will fight at the White House next year
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White has already teased that champions from multiple divisions, including several women’s title fights, will feature on the historic bill.
For McGregor, the bout represents both a career crossroads and a chance to silence critics who have written him off after a series of injuries, cancelled fights, and controversies outside the cage.
A win over Chandler could propel him back into title contention — and perhaps open the door to one final run at UFC gold.