After more than four years away from the octagon, Conor McGregor is determined to make his comeback at the UFC's unprecedented White House event.
The 37-year-old Irish fighter has expressed serious intentions about returning to competition, according to UFC CEO Dana White.
"Conor says he's coming back," White revealed during an appearance on Impaulsive with Logan Paul. "He's in the [drug testing] pool, he's doing his thing, there's all kinds of footage of him training."
The former two-division champion has been absent from UFC competition for an extended period but took a significant step towards his return in July.
Conor McGregor is serious about returning to fight, says Dana White
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His re-entry into the promotion's anti-doping programme signalled genuine intent to compete again, generating considerable excitement amongst MMA enthusiasts.
White has been in continuous dialogue with McGregor about his anticipated return to fighting. "He and I have been talking non-stop," the UFC CEO stated, emphasising the fighter's commitment.
"And he's said, 'I'm dead serious. I want this. I'm training. I'm back in the pool,' and all this," White added, describing McGregor's determination to compete again.
The UFC boss expressed strong faith in McGregor's dependability, particularly for such a significant event.
"I need people that I can seriously rely on for this one," White explained when discussing the White House card.
He defended McGregor against critics, stating: "People talk s*** about [McGregor]. I'm telling you, I've been in the trenches with Conor. Conor is a guy who has fought injured."
White praised McGregor's willingness to face any challenger, regardless of stylistic matchups.
Conor McGregor has spent more than four years away from UFC or MMA
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"Conor is a guy that a fighter has fallen out and we've slid in a stylistically bad matchup for him he doesn't care. He literally will fight anybody," the UFC CEO emphasised.
The promotion boss highlighted McGregor's track record of reliability when discussing potential fighters for the historic card.
"I like guys I can count on when all the money has been spent and all the marketing has been done, who are going to stay in there," White explained.
"Stay in the f***ing foxhole with me and fight this thing, and Conor McGregor has always been that guy," he added, underlining his confidence in the Irish fighter's commitment to delivering when it matters most.
Michael Chandler has positioned himself as the frontrunner to face McGregor in his comeback bout. The American fighter, who recently lost to Paddy Pimblett, expressed enthusiasm about the potential matchup at the historic venue.
"First and foremost, I want the White House," Chandler told MMA Fighting. "Ideally, if it becomes Conor, that would be awesome. We have unfinished business."
The two were originally scheduled to headline UFC 303 last June before McGregor withdrew due to a sparring injury.
Chandler highlighted their unique situation, noting they would be "the only fighters not to fight after The Ultimate Fighter, who were in the same weight class."
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Dana White said Conor McGregor has 'always been that guy' | YOUTUBE"In my heart of hearts, I think I'm fighting Conor McGregor at the White House," Chandler stated, expressing confidence that their bout would finally materialise.
The historic UFC event will commemorate America's 250th Independence anniversary, as initially announced by US President Donald Trump in July. White officially confirmed the promotion's plans for this unprecedented card at the White House.
The UFC CEO indicated that preparations for the event won't commence until February.
White said: "He wants to fight on this White House card.
"We'll see, but we won't start building that card until February," White stated during his podcast appearance.
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Conor McGregor could headline a UFC event at the White House
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The magnitude of hosting a UFC event at such a prestigious venue would provide an ideal platform for McGregor's potential final appearance in the octagon.
McGregor has posted multiple times on social media, suggesting his interest in facing Chandler at this landmark event.