Conor McGregor has been told he is not needed for the UFC’s historic White House event
Conor McGregor(Image: Rob Kim/Getty Images for Cantor Fitzgerald)
Conor McGregor says his UFC return will be ‘a six-month operation’ as he aims to return to the octagon for the first time in five years next summer.
The Dubliner has not fought since suffering a leg break in his trilogy fight loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He was due to face Michael Chandler in June of last year, but withdrew from the bout weeks before the scheduled date after suffering an injury in training.
Despite his long absence from the octagon, McGregor is adamant that he will fight on the UFC’s historic White House card next summer, which is being staged at part of the celebrations to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
“It’s a six-month operation,” McGregor said. “I consider it a six-month operation to get ready for this bout. That’s my focus right now. I’m just eager to climb the steps into being ready for my return. There’s a lot at stake, and I’m very excited at the opportunity.
“I was right there with my last one. I was in incredible condition. Incredibly well-prepared. Just a slight lapse in concentration led to an injury. I wish to correct that and show what I’m about. I’m eager to get back, and we’ll see what the future holds after that.”
He added: “There will be a period of isolation for sure where the phone will not be answered. All my people involved with me understand it is coming. As I said, it’s a six-month operation. I’m under no illusion of what lies ahead in my preparation efforts. The phone will be switched off, and the work will be executed.”
McGregor’s comments come after Jorge Masvidal said the former two-weight champion was not needed for the event.
“Why would they even consider having Conor McGregor on the White House card?” Masvidal told BetIdeas.
“He’s been saying he’s going to fight for four years now. I feel like at this point, they know Conor’s going to pull out, and they’re just getting everyone to buy into the hype before he pulls out three weeks before. I don’t see Conor getting in and doing anything.
“It’s not that fun to go to the gym and put in the work—to get your ass kicked day in and day out, to run those miles, swim those laps, and have your coaches telling you what time to wake up.
“He doesn’t want that lifestyle. The guy had a great career, but this bulls*** about him coming back—I’ve been hearing this idiot say that for four or five years and then cancel. Just shut the f***k up. Hell no, the card does not need him.”