TLDR
- Carlos Prates claims Conor McGregor turned down a fight with him, saying the Irishman ‘chickened out’
- McGregor now accepts he may miss the White House UFC card on June 14, targeting a July 11 return instead
- Prates will fight Jack Della Maddalena in May after McGregor allegedly rejected the matchup
- UFC CEO Dana White is expected to announce the White House card this week, likely headlined by Jon Jones
- McGregor has not fought in five years and previously insisted he would appear on the White House card
Sources: Irish Star | talkSPORT | The Mirror
Welterweight contender Carlos Prates has accused Conor McGregor of avoiding a fight with him ahead of the Irish star’s planned UFC comeback. McGregor is targeting a return to the octagon this summer after five years away from competition.
Prates did not hold back in his criticism of the former two-division champion. “He chickened out and ran away… because I’m a tough matchup, man,” Prates said.
The Brazilian fighter explained why he believes McGregor rejected the bout. “The guy’s been inactive for five years, and it’s not even in his weight class. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way.”
Prates will now face Jack Della Maddalena in May after the alleged rejection from McGregor’s camp.
Carlos Prates takes a shot at Conor McGregor, claiming the ‘Notorious’ avoided the fight and chickened out of the challenge 👀🥊🔥
Full Story: https://t.co/xGBLBedEAE pic.twitter.com/xQaDCBcVGY
— Sidekick Boxing (@Sidekickboxing) March 5, 2026
White House Card Dreams Fade
McGregor has walked back his previous claims about fighting on the White House UFC card scheduled for June 14. The Dubliner now admits he may not secure a spot on the high-profile event.
“I am in negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship about the bout, either the White House or thereabouts,” McGregor said. “Sometime in the summer, McGregor will return.”
This marks a shift from his earlier statements to Fox News when he confidently declared his participation. “The Mac is excited to be back,” he said last year. “I’m on it (the White House card), this is me.”
McGregor had previously named Michael Chandler as his expected opponent for the White House event. The two were scheduled to fight two years ago but the bout never materialized.
“We’ve done The Ultimate Fighter. We’ve had a good back-and-forth. He’s a good, tough guy,” McGregor said about Chandler.
Dana White’s Latest Comments
UFC CEO Dana White had indicated McGregor was under consideration for the White House card. “Conor and I have a great relationship,” White said. “We talk a lot through text, and yeah, he’s definitely in the running for this [White House] fight.”
White is expected to reveal the full card details this week. The event is planned to take place on the front lawn of the White House with President Donald Trump in attendance.
Former heavyweight champion Jon Jones is now the frontrunner to headline the historic event. He could potentially face former light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira in a blockbuster matchup.
“I’m in negotiations with the UFC about this White House (fight) as well,” Jones said last week. “I’m a very proud American, and I cannot wait to represent one more time.”
McGregor is now most likely targeting July 11 in Las Vegas for his return to competition. The exact opponent and event details remain unconfirmed as negotiations continue between the fighter and the UFC.
The Irish star has not competed since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His planned comeback has faced multiple delays over the past several years.
