UFC Legend Against Conor McGregor Headlining 4th of July White House Event: “Needs to Be An American Guy”

Former double champion Daniel Cormier is against Conor McGregor headlining the UFC White House event.

UFC Legend Against Conor McGregor Headlining 4th of July White House Event: “Needs to Be An American Guy”

Daniel Cormier does not want Conor McGregor to fight on the UFC White House (LV Review Journal, Daily Mail)

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The UFC continues to explore bold new concepts for its upcoming White House event, which is expected to be one of the most unique cards in promotional history. While anticipation grows, the discussion has turned to who should headline such a historic occasion. Some figures in the sport, such as Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, are questioning whether UFC superstar Conor McGregor is the right fit.

The Irishman has been vocal regarding his wish to fight at the historic event. However, some doubts arose due to his political aspirations and controversies outside the UFC. The Irishman announced that he would be standing for the Irish Presidency. However, he backtracked shortly after and withdrew his nomination, which left fans to speculate whether he would main event at the White House.

There have been many speculations regarding who would be the best opponent for the ‘Notorious One’ at the event. Lightweight contender Michael Chandler has expressed his desire to complete the unfinished business he has with the Irishman. However, Cormier and Sonnen were recently seen discussing this on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast and had some interesting views on the topic.

Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler, I believe he would be in a co-main event. That would be too big of an ask to ask him to go fight main event. In order to fight for a main event, you need someone to fight for a title, and it needs to be an American guy. We are a great country; we gotta have a hero.

Daniel Cormier via GOOD GUY/BAD GUY

DC also said in the podcast that he wants to see Jon Jones return somewhere in early 2026 for a fight against heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. He wants them to rematch at the White House event as it will add an extra layer of anticipation.

The other fighters that Cormier and Sonnen wished to see on the historic card were Sean O’Malley, Justin Gaethje, and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. Cormier has long been an advocate for spotlighting athletes who represent the values and traditions of U.S. combat sports, particularly on a holiday so closely tied to national identity.

He has been pleading with UFC CEO Dana White to let Jones fight on the card, as he is one of the most popular American MMA fighters. However, White has chosen McGregor over Jones as he wanted bankable fighters.

Cormier’s view highlights a broader conversation within the MMA community about the symbolism behind the White House card. McGregor’s star power is undeniable, and his presence would undoubtedly attract global attention. The idea of having an international fighter headline the event has raised questions about the message the UFC intends to send.

Daniel Cormier is sure that Conor McGregor will prove critics wrong by fighting at UFC White House event

Conor McGregor has long been one of the most entertaining and crowd-pulling fighters in the UFC. His presence both inside and outside the cage has made him an icon in MMA history. However, his recent controversies and false promises have made the Irishman a villain to the people. His constant promises to return to the Octagon have given fans false hope, and his controversies have sidelined him.

Daniel Cormier Conor McGregor
Daniel Cormier Conor McGregor (via Bleacher Report)

However, recent comments from Daniel Cormier suggest that McGregor’s motivation to return may be tied to public perception and the belief in his ability to compete at the highest level. This perspective frames a potential comeback not just as a matter of competition, but also as a means of maintaining relevance in the sport. Cormier spoke about this in relation to the public’s dismay against McGregor.

I think the biggest factor in why Conor McGregor will fight is because no one believes him anymore, and some of that shine is starting to wear off. It doesn’t have to be a big win; it just has to be a win or a fight that propels him into the spotlight. I think he’s coming back, but it’s not because he wants to compete. It’s because he understands now that people aren’t just in on the Conor McGregor business anymore

Daniel Cormier via GOOD GUY/BAD GUY

While some view McGregor as more of a villain than a hero at this stage of his career, his ability to draw attention remains undeniable. Daniel Cormier’s comments highlight the old version of Conor McGregor, who had a hunger to prove himself. It remains to be seen if the Irishman’s return to the Octagon in July 2026 comes to fruition.

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