Conor McGregor has confirmed he will not be fighting on the UFC's White House card, with his return now expected on July 11. The Irishman was tipped to headline the event on the White House lawn against Michael Chandler on June 14, but that bout has been scrapped.
McGregor said he was initially keen on the White House showdown, but the UFC opted to move him to International Fight Week instead. 'I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House,' he told Smash Cast. 'It would have been dynamite as a fight. And somewhere down the line... maybe we're going to go with you for International Fight Week.'
The former two-weight champion expressed sympathy for Chandler, who he has been preparing to face for two years. 'I feel a bit weird; he deserves to go after the waiting and it would be a great fight,' McGregor said. 'I'm sorry Chandler, it is what it is.'
McGregor also confirmed he will compete at welterweight (170lbs). 'I'm going to do 170. I'm a big boy. A lot bigger than before,' he added, while noting that negotiations for a new opponent are ongoing. Meanwhile, the White House card could now be headlined by Jon Jones' return against Alex Pereira.
