The UFC could promote a White House event as the promotion’s landmark card, but many observers doubt it will live up to that claim without Conor McGregor aboard. The discussion centers on whether McGregor can extend his road back into competition beyond the White House appearance currently being teased for next June. McGregor, who holds a 22-6 MMA record with 10-4 in the UFC, has been eyeing a return since he broke his leg in July 2021. He came close to fighting Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but withdrew after injuring a pinky toe in training a month beforehand.
No official fight schedule has named McGregor since, though he remains eager to be part of the White House event. Chael Sonnen, however, questions whether that scenario will unfold as hoped.
“I don’t think Conor makes it to the White House,” Sonnen said on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show with Daniel Cormier. “Let’s accept this possibility for now: will he still be able to steer media attention even if the White House appearance never happens? He’s talked about a comeback for years. If the White House trip passes, could he pivot to saying, ‘You’ll see me in November, you’ll see me next January,’ or is that just another maneuver by McGregor?”
Cormier argues that a White House event cannot be framed as the promotion’s biggest card if McGregor is not involved, especially when the event is marketed as the company’s premiere spectacle.
“(If) he doesn’t attend the White House event, it’s over,” Cormier asserted. “Love him or loathe him, the White House card is destined to be the largest card in UFC history, but it only earns that label if Conor McGregor is on it. The card could still be stacked and sensational, but its status as the biggest ever hinges on McGregor’s participation.”
