TLDR
- Dana White has ruled out Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler for the June 14 White House UFC event
- The White House card has no pay-per-view, gate revenue, or sponsor opportunities due to venue restrictions
- UFC insider Ariel Helwani reports the organization is eyeing July 11 for McGregor’s return on a traditional PPV card
- McGregor previously avoided fighting in empty arenas during COVID-19, announcing retirement in 2020 before returning in 2021
- If Michael Chandler doesn’t get the fight, potential opponents include Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, and Rafael Fiziev
Sources: Yardbarker | Fightful | Cageside Seats
Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return will likely skip the June 14 White House event due to financial constraints, according to MMA insider Ariel Helwani. Dana White has shut down hopes for a McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight at the historic venue, instead eyeing a July pay-per-view card.
The White House event will honor America’s 250th anniversary and coincide with President Donald Trump’s birthday. Roughly 5,000 elite guests including Dwayne Johnson and Elon Musk will attend, with limited public access due to security measures.
Regular fans will watch on large screens at The Ellipse park in front of the White House. The VIP-only card creates unique financial limitations that make it less attractive for McGregor’s comeback.
Financial Roadblocks at White House Venue
Helwani explained the revenue problem facing UFC for the June 14 event. “There will be no pay-per-view. There will be no gate. And what I’m hearing is that there will be no sponsors as well,” he said on X.
The event will provide massive brand awareness but lacks traditional money-making opportunities. Sponsors cannot place logos on the cage due to White House restrictions.
UFC is covering all costs for the event without using taxpayer money. The organization must transform the White House South Lawn into a fighting arena at its own expense.
Helwani pointed to McGregor’s history of avoiding fights without proper financial setup. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, McGregor announced his third retirement in four years when arenas sat empty.
“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting,” McGregor wrote on X in 2020. “Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!”
He returned in January 2021 once limited public gatherings allowed fans inside. That fight took place in Abu Dhabi against Dustin Poirier, capitalizing on McGregor’s international brand value.
“They didn’t want to have him at the Apex in front of no one,” Helwani said. “Therefore, you can see why he avoided fighting in empty arenas.”
July Pay-Per-View Becomes Likely Target
Helwani suggested UFC plans to save McGregor for a traditional revenue-generating event. “I’m not saying Conor will not come back, but they’ve got a pay-per-view in July. I’m hearing July 11th,” he stated.
A July card would allow UFC to sell tickets, collect gate revenue, and secure sponsorships. This format matches how the organization previously maximized McGregor’s return value.
McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Poirier at UFC 264. Multiple delays including USADA issues, Hollywood projects, and a pinky toe injury have postponed his comeback.
Michael Chandler has waited nearly two years for the McGregor fight, stalling his own title pursuit. Both fighters have pushed hard to appear on the White House card.
If the Chandler matchup falls through, Helwani offered alternative opponents. “I could see a scenario where it’s him versus Paddy,” he said, referring to Paddy Pimblett.
Other potential opponents include Justin Gaethje, Rafael Fiziev, and Arman Tsarukyan. However, some fighters have shown little interest in facing McGregor.
Dana White confirmed UFC will begin matchmaking for the White House event this Tuesday. The organization faces decisions on both the June card and McGregor’s eventual return date.
