Jason Burgos
In a new interview this week, Conor McGregor offered a huge update on who he thinks he will face in his UFC return.
One of the biggest stories in MMA this year is whether the former two-division champion will return to the Octagon in 2026. Hope seemed lost that he would ever compete again until President Trump revealed plans for a UFC event on the lawn of the White House in June. The news quickly rekindled the Irishman’s passion, and he has made it clear he wants in on the event ever since.
However, UFC CEO Dana White has seemed hesitant to put the mercurial MMA legend on such an important card. But during a recent appearance on the Smashcast, McGregor claimed the early plan was for the previously scheduled scrap with Michael Chandler to happen at the UFC White House card. But then management changed their minds and were pondering a bout at International Fight Week in July or a different opponent altogether.
Conor McGregor record: 22-6 (19 knockouts, 1 submission)
McGregor then claimed the company started to give him different opponent options for a bout at welterweight and that he was fine with all of them. But a contract never came. However, he says the “vibes” he is starting to get are that he could end up facing the winner of Saturday’s UFC 326 main event for the BMF title between champion Max Holloway and Charles Oliveria.
“Even if they offer me some sort of no-name they think is gonna be a tough fight, no problem. Send the contract, yes, yes, yes,” said McGregor.
The 37-year-old said he will attend the UFC White House card, even if he doesn’t fight, and is totally open to headlining the International Fight Week card. Furthermore, while some MMA fans think his next fight could be his last, McGregor says he is far from done as a fighter.
“I’m gonna go until 50 [years old]. I’ve got at least 10 fights left,” he said.
