Conor McGregor responds to Dana White after he rules out Michael Chandler fight

Conor McGregor has responded to Dana White, after the UFC CEO ruled out a comeback fight with Michael Chandler as the Irish fighter prepares for a comeback following an 18-month suspension for missing drug tests.

McGregor has not stepped into the Octagon since July 2021, when he suffered a defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

His scheduled return at UFC 303 in 2024, set against Michael Chandler during International Fight Week, was ultimately cancelled due to a toe injury.

It looked increasingly unlikely that the Irishman would return to UFC after joining politics, as he is bidding for Ireland’s presidency.

However, after the US President Donald Trump announced a supercard at the White House, as part of the 250th anniversary of American independence, McGregor started to show his interest in the event and has been pushing for a showdown with Chandler.

However, White has ruled out the fight. In an interview with Complex, the UFC boss was asked about the match between McGregor and Chandler at the White House card.

"No," was his blunt reply. "I mean, that was a couple of years ago.

"No [that's nothing I would entertain]."

He later added: "We'll see if Conor's going to come back or not. We've been talking about it for a while - we'll see how it plays out. I don't know, though."

Despite the setback, Conor McGregor is confident. That said, he still seems keen to be involved in the historic June 14 event.

"Pick who ya want!" McGregor wrote on X.

"The Mac sweats nothing and nobody. I'm TASTY SHOTS."

McGregor is currently serving an 18-month suspension due to violating UFC anti-doping policy, missing three tests in 2024. He was initially banned for two-years in October, but because of his cooperation with the investigation, the ban was reduced, and he will be eligible to compete again from March 20.