Michael Chandler is eager to fight Conor McGregor at a potential UFC event at the White House in 2026, viewing it as a high-pressure opportunity to represent America on its 250th anniversary, despite his current losing streak and the absence of a championship title on the line.
Michael Chandler might finally get his wish to face Conor McGregor at the UFC White House card in 2026. But if that fight becomes official, the pressure will skyrocket.
Why? Well, Chandler is currently on a three-fight losing streak, although those losses were against top-tier competition. But headlining a card celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States? That’s a whole new level of pressure.
Chandler has been vocal about wanting to fight McGregor at this event. He knows it’s a must-win situation, perhaps the most critical of his career.
“We’d have to go out there and not just beat Conor, but dominate him,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “Systematically break him down.”
Imagine getting your hand raised on the White House lawn, draped in the stars and stripes. Chandler’s dreamt of it ever since the announcement. He believes it will happen.
Currently, the only American UFC champion is Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic gold medalist. While Dana White emphasizes MMA’s global nature, Chandler feels a unique responsibility representing America.
A UFC card at the White House? It could be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Chandler can’t imagine losing with those stakes.
“It’s America’s birthday,” Chandler said. “250 years, and I’d be the guy carrying the stars and bars.”
He loves this country, despite its flaws. He sees the fight as a celebration of American spirit.
Even without a title on the line, the fight’s magnitude remains immense. Chandler imagines beating McGregor and having President Trump raise his hand.
Could there be a symbolic title, like a White House belt? Who knows? But the idea excites Chandler.
“Six months ago, a White House fight seemed impossible,” Chandler said. “Now, anything’s possible. Trump raising my arm on America’s birthday? That’d be cool.”
No belt, but maybe a special memento for this historic event. Even without it, fighting at the White House is a dream come true.