Michael Chandler Shares Mixed Update on Conor McGregor Fight for UFC White House Event

155lbs veteran Michael Chandler talks about his intentions to fight Conor McGregor at the historic UFC White House event in 2026.

Michael Chandler Shares Mixed Update on Conor McGregor Fight for UFC White House Event

Michael Chandler is ready to share the UFC octagon with Conor McGregor (via Imago)

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The UFC White House card, slated to take place on the 250th anniversary of American Independence Day next year, is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated spectacles in the promotion’s history. With nearly eleven months to go, preparations are well underway to deliver a grand and unforgettable celebration for fight fans. As expected, several major stars are aiming for a spot on the card, including Michael Chandler, who’s eager to finally settle his rivalry with Conor McGregor.

Dana White recently confirmed that the UFC White House event will take place on July 4, 2026, airing live on their new broadcast partner, CBS. He added that he plans to personally meet with Donald Trump to finalize details for this historic Independence Day showcase. In a recent interview, Chandler made it clear he wants to be part of the action and put on a show for the fans.

That Octagon at the White House lawn has my name on it… I’ve spoken to the UFC about it. They know I want to be on that card. I would love to fight against Conor. That’s definitely a platform that would maybe get Conor on the straight and narrow… If you’re a betting man, I wouldn’t bet on it, but definitely bet the house on Chandler fighting on the White House card.

Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show 

Michael Chandler is certainly a showman and mentioned how he wants to fight under the biggest lights and among the biggest crowds. According to the former Bellator lightweight title holder, representing his country at the White House event will be a dream come true. The Missouri native understands his history with McGregor and how things are unpredictable, but is still hopeful about facing the Irishman soon. 

For the unversed, the Chandler versus McGregor saga began after they coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter 31, creating intense competitive tension. Initially scheduled to settle their rivalry at UFC 303, McGregor shockingly withdrew from the fight due to a pinky toe injury. After UFC 314, the Irishman sparked interest in the bout with Chandler as part of a stadium show, but to no avail.

Since then, no official updates regarding the matchup have surfaced, leaving fans frustrated and doubtful about the fight ever materializing at all. The last nail in the coffin came when Dana White completely stopped discussing the matchup during media appearances and at UFC outings.

Meanwhile, McGregor found himself in further controversies, including his latest assault lawsuit alongside several public online rants that drew widespread backlash. These distractions have shifted focus away from fighting, making his return increasingly uncertain and surrounded by skepticism.

Conor McGregor’s latest training clip goes viral amidst Michael Chandler’s call for a UFC bout

Conor McGregor has expressed a strong interest in competing at the UFC White House card and recently reentered the official testing pool. In preparation, the former champion debuted a Chuck Liddell-inspired haircut, aiming to channel old-school energy for his highly anticipated comeback. The Irishman has shared multiple training clips on social media, showcasing his striking and movement ahead of the potential July 4th bout.

However, many fans quickly noticed his sluggishness in striking, lacking the sharpness of his prime fighting years. Former rivals, including Jake Paul, openly mocked McGregor’s training form, questioning whether he still possesses the skills to compete.

The criticism has fueled doubts over whether ‘The Notorious’ can deliver a performance against Michael Chandler worthy of such a historic event. Nevertheless, here are some fan reactions to his latest training clip from social media.

As expected, many fans joked about McGregor being slow and sparing with random training partners. Someone called him washed and doubted his chances for a comeback. However, there were many who were hyped about him potentially fighting at the White House event.

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