Conor McGregor sets out plan to change sports after final two fights

Conor McGregor has teased UFC fans with the prospect of returning for two more fights before considering a move into bare-knuckle fighting.

The 37-year-old has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier back in 2021. McGregor was due to make a stunning UFC comeback last year against former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler. However, he was forced to pull out of the contest after picking up an injury in training.

After the showdown with Chandler failed to materialise, many UFC fans have wondered whether McGregor will return to the cage ever again. That said, recently, US president Donald Trump confirmed his plans to host a huge UFC event at the White House for the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Immediately after Trump's comments, McGregor took to social media to express his desire to compete on the card and has even joined the UFC testing pool. That is according to his business partner Dave Feldman - who is the president of BKFC, a promotion McGregor co-owns. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Feldman confirmed the Irishman's intention to make a stunning return in 2026, reports All Out Fighting.

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“He’s got two fights left on his contract. He’s got to get right,” he explained. “The whole world is waiting. Is he going to get in shape and fight? He told me in person, he whispered in my ear, he said, ‘I'm in the testing pool. I'm getting ready to make my comeback. I'm going to fight on that big card, then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk.’"

McGregor currently has two fights left on his current UFC deal. Earlier this year, the Dubliner revealed he would like to one day compete under the BKFC banner "Yes. Yes. The warrior spirit burns strong inside me," he said at a BKFC press conference. "For sure. If you think I'm up here giving these speeches and leading these men into battle and I won't step in there myself, think again. For sure. Conor McGregor will fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – mark my words."

Recently discussing his plans about a potential White House event, Trump said: "And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight... Does anybody watch UFC and the great Dana White?' Trump asked the crowd of MAGA faithful. "We're going to have a UFC fight. We're going to have a UFC fight," Trump continued. "Think of this - on the grounds of the White House." Trump added: "We have a lot of land there. We're going to build a little - we're not, Dana's going to do it, Dana's great, one of a kind - we're going to have a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people."

While McGregor's next fight has yet to be officially announced, it remains uncertain whether he will participate in the potential UFC event at the White House. The UFC has not confirmed the event for next year, but Dana White's reposting of Trump's announcement on X - formerly Twitter - seems to suggest it may be in the works.

When is Conor McGregor's next fight?

Following Trump's stunning comments, several fighters were eager to express their willingness to compete at the White House - with McGregor leading the charge. The 37-year-old took to social media to share his enthusiasm: "Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House! I would be honoured! Count me in!" White - the UFC chief - appeared to be all for it after McGregor shared a snippet of their conversation, where White responded to voice notes about the White House event with: "I love it!

The Irishman later doubled down on his comments during a recent BKFC event, saying: "It’s looking like I’m headed to the Oval Office again. That’s where I’m headed next." White recently claimed that the 'Notorious' could fight alongside former heavyweight champion Jon Jones - who has come out of retirement just days after hanging up his gloves.

"McGregor has gotten himself to a point where he is and will be, whether he stops fighting or not, one of the biggest superstars in sports, period. He’s gotten to a level of success in his life where he has to, I think, be motivated by something," White told the Full Send podcast.