Conor McGregor names date and possible opponent for comeback after UFC White House snub

Conor McGregor is desperate for a fight.

The Irishman had been the frontrunner to headline the unprecedented UFC White House card on June 14 against Michael Chandler.

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And while Chandler secured an undercard slot against Mauricio Ruffy, McGregor’s name was nowhere to be seen when the UFC confirmed the full card on Saturday night.

Ilia Topuria will instead defend his lightweight title against interim champion Justin Gaethje in the main event, with McGregor left waiting not so patiently on the sidelines.

According to the dual-weight UFC champion, he has accepted multiple comeback fights to no avail.

McGregor’s patience looked to be wearing thin during a recent appearance on Chael Sonnen‘s Smash Cast podcast.

However, he did confirm that the UFC are eyeing the International Fight Week card on July 11 for his first bout in five years.

“As I was aware, it was the White House,” said McGregor.

“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 with 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.

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“[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.”

Who does Conor McGregor want to fight next?

McGregor also confirmed that his return to the Octagon will be at welterweight.

He stopped short of naming names during the podcast, but after witnessing Charles Oliveira defeat Max Holloway via a lopsided unanimous decision at UFC 326, he has now set his sights on the Brazilian.

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Taking to X shortly after Oliveria was crowned the new BMF champion, McGregor wrote: “If they want, I’ll spank Charlie.”

Before the callout, McGregor had scolded Oliveira for ‘stalling’ the fight on the ground.

“Shockingly bad fight. I am shocked,” McGregor posted.

“Charles is a little Charlie, ahahaha, very bad Charles, very bad.

“Hang your head bad. Good luck. Don’t crown that belt.”