UFC commentators have downplayed the significance of the bout that might headline the White House event. Conor McGregor’s last win inside the Octagon was in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds. Following consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier, McGregor’s future was uncertain, especially after a severe injury at UFC 264. However, both McGregor and Michael Chandler are optimistic that their long-anticipated fight will finally take place this year. While this fight would be a logical highlight for the White House lawn event in June, a UFC insider suggests a different main event could be more fitting.
Jon Anik, a notable UFC commentator, expressed that the McGregor vs. Chandler matchup doesn’t excite him much at lightweight, despite Chandler’s deserving spot on the White House card. Instead, Anik wants to see McGregor face Nate Diaz or Mauricio Rua, with the Diaz trilogy making more sense and Rua being a surprising suggestion given his upcoming fight against Rafael Fiziev. McGregor has not been selective about his opponents for his UFC return, although he has previously noted that a fight with Chandler made the most sense. The McGregor-Chandler fight was scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024 but was canceled due to McGregor’s toe injury and has yet to be rescheduled.
Jon Anik also expressed doubts about McGregor’s reliability for the White House event, despite Dana White’s confidence in McGregor’s credibility. Anik suggested that even if McGregor had a strong connection with UFC President Dana White in the past, that might have changed, cautioning that while McGregor will return, it’s hard to count on him consistently.
Fan Take: This potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight holds huge significance for fight fans eager to see McGregor back in action after a rocky few years. It could also mark a major moment in UFC history by bringing a high-profile bout to such a unique setting as the White House, highlighting the sport’s growing mainstream appeal.
