Conor McGregor’s long-teased return remains uncertain, and two of the UFC’s most prominent analysts aren’t convinced he’ll actually make it to the promotion’s historic White House event next June.
On the latest episode of “Good Guy/Bad Guy,” Chael Sonnen and Daniel Cormier discussed McGregor’s status and whether he’ll fight at all in 2026 let alone on what Dana White is promoting as the biggest UFC card of all time.
Sonnen: “I Do Not Believe Conor Makes It to the White House”
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has not competed since breaking his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021. He came close to returning in June 2024 against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but withdrew after fracturing his pinky toe during training.
Since then, the former two-division champion has repeatedly signaled his desire to fight on next June’s White House card. Sonnen isn’t buying it.
“I do not believe that Conor makes it to the White House,” Sonnen said.
“He has pretended that he’s coming back for five years. If the White House comes and goes, can he keep the ruse going? Can he say, ‘You’ll see me in November, you’ll see me next January’? Or will that be the final one?”
Cormier: It Can’t Be the “Biggest Card Ever” Without McGregor
While Cormier didn’t weigh in on whether McGregor would actually fight, he made one thing clear: The UFC can’t call the White House event the biggest in company history unless McGregor is part of it.
“If he doesn’t go to the White House, it’s done,” Daniel Cormier said.
“Love him or hate him, the White House card is going to be the biggest card we’ve ever had but it can only be the biggest card you will ever see if Conor McGregor is on it.”
Daniel Cormier emphasized that the lineup will still be stacked regardless, but star power matters and McGregor remains the sport’s most bankable draw.
“It will be an amazing card,” he added. “But the only way it’s the biggest card we’ve ever seen is if Conor McGregor is on it.”
McGregor’s Timeline Still Unclear
Despite McGregor’s continued social media teases, hints at training camps, and public push for the White House card, the UFC has made no official announcement regarding his next fight.
The Irish superstar has not competed in over four years, and his last completed victory dates back to January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. Whether he returns next June or at all remains one of the biggest questions in MMA.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
