UFC President Dana White has effectively closed the door on a possible Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler matchup for the promotion’s groundbreaking June 14 fight card on the White House South Lawn, dismissing the bout as yesterday’s news. In a recent interview, White characterised the matchup as outdated hype stemming from their 2023 Ultimate Fighter coaching stint, signaling that the UFC has moved beyond that narrative for its most prestigious event up to now.
🚨 Dana White says he’s NOT eager about booking Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler on the UFC White House card 😬
“That was a pair years ago. No.”
(via @Complex) pic.twitter.com/Tirsmy5PJA
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 15, 2026
McGregor, never one to stay silent when challenged, fired back on X with defiant posts proclaiming “You may run but you may’t hide. Fact.” reaffirming his readiness to face any opponent the promotion places in front of him. The Irish superstar’s social media response underscores his continued hunger and willingness to compete at the very best level, at the same time as White pursues alternative matchups for the historic White House event.
You may run but you may’t hide. Fact.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) January 15, 2026
Fairly than banking on the McGregor-Chandler nostalgia factor, White is strategically pivoting toward one other potential mega fight. The UFC President is teasing several marquee possibilities, most notably a possible super fight between former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and middleweight kingpin Alex Pereira. Such a matchup would undoubtedly capture mainstream attention and supply the star power befitting a card hosted on the seat of American political power.
🇺🇸🤯 Dana White is eager about Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira fight on the UFC White House card but is just not sure if he can count on it:
“That might be a fight, but can I count on Jon Jones? I can’t have Jon Jones doing something bad or pulling out of the White House fight.”
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 15, 2026
White’s calculated approach reflects the large stakes surrounding this groundbreaking event. A card held on the White House South Lawn represents an unparalleled promotional opportunity and cultural moment for the UFC. With such visibility comes the necessity for flawless execution and compelling matchups that transcend typical pay-per-view appeal. The promotion cannot afford drama, injury cancellations, or fighter disputes which may tarnish the occasion.
This shift in direction also signals a broader message from White’s office: the UFC is prioritizing proven draws over fights which have passed us, which have not come to fruition While McGregor stays a world icon able to generating massive viewership, the timing and context of a McGregor-Chandler booking apparently don’t align with White’s vision for this singular event.
The approaching weeks will reveal whether Jones versus Pereira materializes or if White has other heavyweight championship clashes planned. Regardless, the White House event guarantees to be a watershed moment for combat sports, and Dana White’s meticulous matchmaking demonstrates his understanding of the moment’s magnitude.