he anticipation around Conor McGregor’s potential return has once again surged, thanks to new comments from his longtime coach, John Kavanagh, who revealed that they are “100% in” for the upcoming UFC White House card. Even with uncertainties surrounding negotiations and recent setbacks, McGregor’s camp believes the timing aligns perfectly for a long-awaited comeback. The interest in this card has grown rapidly, making the discussion hotter than ever within the MMA world.
Conor McGregor’s Coach Confirms Full Commitment
Kavanagh’s latest update paints a vivid picture of a fighter who is genuinely preparing for something significant. According to him, McGregor has already asked for a planned training schedule leading into June 2026, which includes dedicated sessions at the gym and additional work at his home setup.
“He’s showing up early, he’s enjoying training again, and he wants to ramp things up,” Kavanagh shared, emphasizing McGregor’s renewed focus and motivation.
This direct commitment from McGregor’s team signals that they are treating the UFC White House card as a realistic and meaningful target, even if contractual and administrative hurdles remain.
Why the UFC White House Card Matters
The UFC White House event has been surrounded by intense curiosity due to its historic setting and unique concept. Adding McGregor’s name to the conversation amplifies the buzz dramatically. For years, fans have been waiting for a strong signal about his future inside the Octagon, and this card is currently the closest thing to a clear path forward.
Below is a quick snapshot of what makes the event important:
| Factor | Why It’s Significant |
|---|---|
| Venue & Timing | A special-event setting planned for June 2026. |
| McGregor’s Interest | Publicly expressed desire to fight on this card. |
| Coach’s Confirmation | Active training program preparing for the event. |
| Matchup Possibilities | Ongoing discussions involving fighters like Michael Chandler. |
McGregor’s Long Pause and Recent Challenges
Since his leg injury in 2021, McGregor’s path back to competition has been complicated by legal issues, regulatory obstacles, and an 18-month anti-doping suspension that stretches into early 2026. These factors have repeatedly delayed any immediate return.
Despite this, McGregor has consistently voiced his hunger to compete, often expressing that he misses being part of active fight buildup. His involvement with BKFC as a part-owner has kept him visible, but not active inside the cage.
Kavanagh noted that McGregor frequently talks about fighting after major UFC events:
“He wants to fight everybody… he wants to go back hard,” the coach said.
The Chandler Connection
The closest McGregor came to returning was the highly anticipated booking with Michael Chandler at UFC 303, which fell apart just weeks before fight night. Chandler has remained vocal about wanting to face McGregor, and the matchup continues to make sense stylistically.
Kavanagh openly supports the idea of Chandler being the comeback opponent:
- Strong promotional chemistry
- Previous coaching rivalry
- Fan interest already established
- A known style match McGregor has handled before
Whether the UFC finalizes the bout is still to be determined, but the training direction from McGregor’s camp clearly aligns with preparing for a powerful, aggressive wrestler.
Training Momentum Heading Toward June 2026
Kavanagh revealed that McGregor is already selecting training partners, attending morning sessions, and organizing a structured program aimed at returning to peak performance. This reflects a level of seriousness that fans have long wanted to see.
Everything, however, still depends on UFC approval:
“If it’s Conor’s choice, he’s in. But how it works with the UFC, that part is out of my hands,” Kavanagh added.
Disclaimer
This article discusses a predicted fight card scenario based on statements from new websites. The official UFC White House card will be updated only after confirmation from UFC officials.