Conor McGregor is signalling his intentions to make a UFC return after a four-year hiatus.
The former two-division champion, who last fought in 2021, has announced he is back in the UFC’s anti-doping program to prepare for a potential appearance on a historic fight card at the White House in 2026.
In an interview with The Schmo following a BKFC press conference in Florida, McGregor confirmed his re-entry into the program, stating, “They’re testing me. I’m in the pool. I thought that’s what the pools were for, jumping in and out, but I’m back in the pool. So get ready and stay ready because damage will be done. Oval office. White House card.”
The event, planned to coincide with the America 250 celebrations, was proposed by President Donald Trump, who expressed interest in hosting a UFC card at the White House.
UFC president Dana White later confirmed that discussions for the event were already underway, with fighters lining up to participate.
McGregor’s return to the anti-doping program comes after a series of setbacks in recent years.
After suffering a severe leg injury in 2021, McGregor temporarily withdrew from the UFC’s drug testing pool. He re-entered the program in 2023 while preparing for a bout against Michael Chandler, a fight that was later cancelled due to a broken pinky toe.
Though McGregor has been tested multiple times in 2024, UFC anti-doping records indicate he has not undergone testing in 2025. This gap suggests he may have once again opted out of the program earlier this year.
However, with the White House card not scheduled until at least July 2026, McGregor has ample time to comply with the necessary six months of drug testing required for a return to competition.
While McGregor’s participation in the event is far from guaranteed, his latest announcement adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his UFC comeback. Fans now await further developments on whether McGregor will indeed fight on this landmark card.