Chandler Hints at McGregor Fight at White House UFC Event

Michael Chandler fueled speculation about a long-awaited showdown with Conor McGregor during a New Year's Eve appearance on CBS, hinting at a potential bout on the South Lawn of the White House this summer as part of a UFC event planned for June 14, 2026.

The matchup, first announced in February 2023 after the fighters served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter season 31, was originally scheduled for welterweight at UFC 303 in June 2024. That event was scrapped when McGregor withdrew due to a broken pinky toe sustained in training. The Irish fighter, a former two-division UFC champion, has not competed since suffering a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, marking over four years of inactivity. His last victory came in January 2020, a 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone at welterweight during UFC 246.

Chandler, speaking on the CBS broadcast hosted by comedian Bert Kreischer, addressed the rumors directly. "There's a rumor going around. We can't confirm nor deny, but it does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good ol passionate, red, white and blue butt whooping in the South Lawn of the White House sometime this summer," he said....