Conor McGregor plans to return to the UFC, rejoining the anti-doping program to prepare for a potential fight at the White House event in 2026.
Conor McGregor’s back at it, announcing plans to fight again. Yep, the former two-division UFC champ is eyeing a comeback.
After breaking his leg in 2021, McGregor’s rejoined the UFC’s anti-doping program. He’s targeting the UFC event at the White House in 2026, part of the America 250 celebration. President Trump wants it there, and McGregor’s all in.
UFC CEO Dana White’s confirmed the event’s in the works for July 2026. Tons of fighters are eager to join, and now McGregor’s thrown his hat in the ring too. Of course, that means he’s back in the testing pool.
“They’re testing me,” McGregor told The Schmo at a BKFC presser in Florida. “I’m in the pool. Get ready and stay ready. Damage will be done. Oval Office. White House card.”
McGregor’s no stranger to the anti-doping program. He dropped out before, then jumped back in 2023 prepping for a fight with Michael Chandler in 2024.
Active fighters must be test-ready, but McGregor took a break while healing. He rejoined, undergoing six months of testing before competing.
He cleared that hurdle, but a broken pinky toe sidelined him from the Chandler fight. Then, he dropped out of the testing program again.
In 2024, McGregor was tested 11 times, but none in 2025. Seems he exited the program before the New Year. Testing records update weekly, and his name’s been absent.
Like in 2023, McGregor needs six months of testing before a fight unless the UFC grants an exemption. With the White House card set for July 4, 2026, he’s got time to get cleared.
Will he actually fight? Who knows. We’ll see.