Ilia Topuria will defend his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event of the UFC’s White House card as McGregor misses out
Conor McGregor speaks out(Image: Getty Images)
Conor McGregor has given the thumbs up to the UFC’s White House card – despite not being on it.
McGregor had been tipped to headline on President Donald Trump’s front lawn against Michael Chandler on June 14, but is now anticipated to fight the following month. UFC CEO Dana White announced the White House card on Saturday night, with Ilia Topuria defending his lightweight title against Justin Gaethje in the main event.
Alex Pereira will step up to heavyweight to take on Ciryl Gane for the interim belt in the co-main event. And McGregor posted a photo of the card on social media with the caption “love it” despite not being included. He later added that it was “a great card”.
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Earlier, the former two-weight world champion had revealed he was still waiting to be told when he would be returning to the cage. “As I was aware, it was the White House,” he shared with 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.
“(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 revealed he will make his comeback at welterweight. “I’m going to do 170,” he continued. “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.”
