There is no doubt that Conor McGregor is the most famous fighter to ever compete in an MMA cage. That is why, despite not having competed in the UFC’s Octagon in over four years, fans are still hopeful about a return.
Well, it might finally come in June for the company’s historic card on the lawn of the White House. The Irish superstar has made it clear he wants in, and President Trump will probably prefer his inclusion. Various reports have suggested Michael Chandler would be the opponent for his return after they failed to faceoff in 2024. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
UFC boss Dana White revealed to Complex on Thursday that he is not booking McGregor vs. Chandler for the White House card. It is unclear if McGregor is off the card altogether, but since he is clearly motivated to compete in June, it would be silly to waste a chance at one last McGregor fight.
With that in mind, we offer up five opponent options for “Notorious” with Chandler now out of the equation.
Nate Diaz
If this is Conor McGregor’s last UFC fight, there really is no better option than completing his trilogy with Nate Diaz. Especially because it could be the Californian’s last bout in the Octagon as well. One final winner-take-all clash between a pair of long-time rivals and legends would only further the event’s chances of being the most-watched fight sports card of all-time.
Renato Moicano
Unfortunately, a fight with Diaz would be difficult to make, because a booking with him is always tough to make. So if the company looked for a fun internal option in a fan-favorite always ready to throw down, Renato Moicano could be an intriguing option.
The Brazilian welcomes Brian Ortega to lightweight at UFC 326 in March. If he wins, taking that momentum into a scrap with McGregor makes a ton of sense. Furthermore, he is sure to give fans what they want and stand up and trade.
Jorge Masvidal
Another UFC great looking for one more chance at glory is fan-favorite Jorge Masvidal. Despite retiring three years ago, he has stated publicly that he would like one more bout in the Octagon. Similar to a scrap with Diaz, a McGregor vs. Masvidal fight being the swan song for both would bring in a huge amount of attention.
Furthermore, at this point in their careers, the pair of standup greats offer a sensible matchup for one another.
Max Holloway
Few expected that after their 2013 clash as UFC prospects, Conor McGregor and Max Holloway would go on to become Octagon legends. But they did, and fans have longed for a rematch between the two future UFC Hall of Famers. Whether he wins or loses his UFC 326 in March, McGregor vs. Holloway would be a great addition to the White House card.
Leon Edwards
After three straight losses, the last two being finishes, there are questions about how much longer former welterweight champion Leon Edwards will stick around in the company. With Edwards well outside the title picture, he should be open to any big fight opportunities. An England vs. Ireland clash with Conor McGregor would be another fun option for the UFC’s massive event in June.
