Key Highlights
- Conor McGregor’s coach confirms his client is “100% in” for the upcoming UFC White House card.
- Kavanagh reveals McGregor has already begun training, showing up at the gym most mornings.
- The former two-division champion remains eager to fight despite legal and regulatory issues.
- McGregor’s return is seen as a “done deal” by his camp but denied by UFC CEO Dana White.
Conor McGregor Returns: Training for the UFC White House Card
The long-awaited return of Conor McGregor to the Octagon has taken another step forward, with his coach John Kavanagh confirming that they are “100% in” for the upcoming UFC White House card. Speaking on “The Ariel Helwani Show.”, Kavanagh stated, “He’s asked me to basically lay out a program between now and June of how we’ll ramp up the training.“
This latest development comes after McGregor has been largely absent from the sport since his last official UFC fight in 2021. The Irish former champion continues to maintain that he is more than ready for a comeback, with Kavanagh noting, “He’s showing up again. He’s back in the gym most mornings, early.“
Training Intensifies
Kavanagh also provided insight into McGregor’s current training regimen, stating, “We’re already beginning our training for that shorter, stalky wrestler kind of matchup,” referring to potential opponent Michael Chandler. This dedication to his return is evident as Kavanagh mentioned, “He wants to fight everybody, but certainly, he wants to go in back hard.“
The coach further elaborated on the training process, saying, “We’ll do something in the gym, something at his house. He’s fully locked in that we’re going to be making the walk in six or seven months.” This indicates a structured and determined approach from both McGregor and Kavanagh as they prepare for their return.
Legal and Regulatory Issues
Despite this optimism, McGregor has faced significant legal and regulatory challenges over the past four years. Most notably, he was found liable in late 2024 for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in 2018, resulting in a damages order of more than €248,000 and a failed 2025 appeal that also sparked a perjury probe after his legal team withdrew key affidavits. Additionally, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension under the UFC’s anti-doping program after missing three whereabouts checks in 2024.
These issues have kept McGregor in the headlines and out of the Octagon for extended periods, but he remains steadfast in his desire to compete.
Kavanagh highlighted this persistence, saying, “The last one we were so freaking close. We’ve just got to get back there again.”
Despite these challenges, McGregor’s management is focused on making the upcoming UFC White House card a reality, with Kavanagh stating, “If it’s Conor’s choice, he’s in.” This shows that while negotiations may still be ongoing, McGregor is fully prepared to make his return come June 2026.
UFC’s Stance
While McGregor’s camp remains positive, UFC CEO Dana White has denied any claims of a done deal. In light of this, Kavanagh acknowledged the potential hurdles ahead, saying, “I got a bunch of messages after the show on Saturday night,” referencing UFC 322. “He wants to fight everybody, but certainly, he wants to go in back hard.“
The upcoming UFC White House card represents a significant opportunity for McGregor to make his return and potentially reignite his career. With training already underway and the support of his long-time coach, the former champion appears ready to take on the challenge once again.
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The closest McGregor has come to fighting over the past four years was in June 2024 when he was booked for a bout with Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, weeks out from fight night, McGregor opted to withdraw due to a broken pinky toe.
