UFC President Dana White has declared Conor McGregor his preferred choice to headline the organisation’s inaugural White House event scheduled for June 2026.
Speaking during promotional appearances for the upcoming boxing bout between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, White addressed concerns about McGregor’s extended absence from competition.
The Irish fighter hasn’t competed since 2021 and has secured just a single victory over the past seven years.
When questioned by Jim Rome about whether McGregor warranted inclusion on such a prestigious card given his limited recent success, White responded affirmatively: “Yeah.”
UFC president Dana White has declared Conor McGregor his preferred choice to headline the organisation’s inaugural White House event scheduled for June 2026
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White dismissed concerns about McGregor’s lengthy hiatus, stating: “We’re going to find out.”
The UFC boss defended his selection during multiple interviews, emphasising McGregor’s dependability compared to other fighters.
“Say what you will about Conor McGregor because people like to talk s**t about that too, but he is that guy, and he’s always been that guy,” White told The W.A.D.E. Concept YouTube channel.
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Dana White said Conor McGregor has ‘always been that guy’
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“Lots of people like to talk tough publicly, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole other ballgame. When the sh*t hits the fan, who’s really willing to go out, and Conor McGregor has always been that guy,” White added.
McGregor himself has expressed strong enthusiasm for the Washington event. Speaking to Adam Glyn, the 37-year-old declared: “I am ecstatic! The Mac is back.”
The former two-division champion confirmed his definite participation, stating: “That’s a definitely [fighting at the White House]. For sure. That is my event, for sure.”
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McGregor welcomed the scheduling change from July to June 2026, saying: “I am very happy that it’s June. It was July, now it’s a month earlier. Even better!”
The Dubliner described himself as “very, very excited, very eager, very motivated” for what he called a “straightener” on the White House lawn.
The historic event will take place on the South Lawn with fewer than 5,000 spectators present at the venue itself.
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🚨 Dana White says there’s a possibility Conor McGregor fights on the UFC White House card 👀
“I’ll start making this card in February. If it all plays out that way, Conor can be on the card.”
🎥 @jimrome pic.twitter.com/PgImAQvNhd
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 11, 2025
An additional 85,000 fans will watch via screens in an adjacent park, where concerts and a main stage are planned.
White revealed that International Fight Week will relocate to Washington D.C. for the occasion, with UFC X and various other activities scheduled throughout the week.
“We’re literally going to take over Washington D.C. that entire week,” White explained.
Fighter weigh-ins will reportedly occur at the Lincoln Memorial, whilst competitors will prepare for their bouts inside the White House before entering the Octagon on the South Lawn.