Conor McGregor had been expected to headline at the White House against Michael Chandler but is now expected to fight in July
Conor McGregor speaks out(Image: Getty Images)
Conor McGregor has confirmed he will NOT be fighting on the UFC’s White House card.
McGregor had been touted to headline on President Donald Trump’s front lawn against Michael Chandler on June 14 but is now expected to fight the following month. UFC CEO Dana White will announce the White House card on Saturday night with McGregor’s name now expected to be absent with the Irishman instead returning on July 11.
“As I was aware, it was the White House,” he told Smash Cast. “I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House. It was McGregor versus Chandler. The story was built in; Chandler is a standup guy, he’s electric in the cage. He comes to bring it. I’m the Mac. I’ll fly through the air in an opponent like Chandler. It would have been dynamite as a fight. And somewhere down the line… (they said) maybe we’re going to go with you for International Fight Week.
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“(I said) no problem (and they said) maybe we’re going to leave Chandler. I do like Chandler. I have been preparing for him for the last two years. I feel a bit weird; he deserves to go after the waiting and it would be a great fight. It gets me back in there but you know they feared off it. You know I’m not going to I’m not going to be too picky. I have to get back. I’m eager to get back. I’ve been out and love myself. So I’m sorry Chandler, it is what it is.”
McGregor also confirmed he will return to the cage at welterweight. “I’m going to do 170,” he added. “As you know I’m a big boy. A lot bigger than before. (They said), ‘We’re going to offer you this opponent’. Yes, no problem.,I accept day after day after day. That’s a great matchup is all you ever hear about out of me, and no contract came. I’m still here in this limbo. I know Audi, my manager, is out there in Las Vegas on Monday for a face-to-face meeting. I hope a respectable offer comes through.”
The White House card could now be headlined by Jon Jones’ return to the cage, potentially against former middleweight and light-heavyweight world champion Alex Pereira who relinquished his 205lb belt last week.
