Who’s getting a red panty night?
Michael Chandler’s long-running dream of fighting former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) two-division champion Conor McGregor was crushed once again today after UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the former The Ultimate Fighter coaches will not compete at the historic UFC White House event later this year.
The UFC head honcho basically said, “That’s so two years ago.”
That leaves McGregor without an opponent — assuming he even shows up. After all, it has been nearly five years since the Irish superstar last competed, and fans have learned to never count their chickens when it comes to “The Notorious.”
But if McGregor does return in Washington, D.C., who makes the most sense?
Here are some of the best options:
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Nate Diaz reacts during the Nate Diaz v Jorge Masvidal press event “The Baddest Tour” at The Novo on April 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kaelin Mendez/Getty Images) Getty Images
IIf there was ever a perfect moment to finally book the trilogy with Nate Diaz, this is it.
Diaz would be representing America on arguably the most American UFC card ever, and the rivalry is already legendary. Diaz handed McGregor his first UFC loss at UFC 196, then McGregor evened the score five months later in one of the best fights in promotion history.
The score sits at 1-1, the fight has been teased for years, and Diaz hasn’t competed in MMA since submitting Tony Ferguson in 2022 (watch highlights). If the trilogy is ever happening, UFC White House is the card.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 25: Max Holloway poses on the scale during the UFC 308 ceremonial weigh-in at Etihad Arena on October 25, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
McGregor and Max Holloway first crossed paths all the way back in 2013, with McGregor earning a unanimous decision win despite tearing his ACL during the fight. At the time, Holloway was just a young prospect. After that loss, however, he went on an incredible run, not losing again for four years and eventually becoming one of the greatest Featherweight champions in UFC history.
Since then, Holloway has evolved into a global superstar — the BMF champion, an all-action fan favorite, and one of the most respected fighters on the roster. He’s delivered some of the most iconic moments in UFC history, including multiple “Fight of the Year” contenders and unforgettable finishes.
Holloway is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, and regardless of the outcome, a McGregor rematch makes sense. A win sets up a massive BMF-style showdown, while even a loss wouldn’t kill the appeal of revisiting a rivalry that predates both men’s superstardom.
Two legends. One historic card. And a chance for Holloway to finally get one back from McGregor on the biggest stage possible.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: (L-R) Opponents Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett face off during the UFC It’s On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Justin Gaethje/Paddy Pimblett loser
This option is a little out there and really depends on next weekend’s UFC 324 interim Lightweight title fight.
Both Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are massive names, and the loser could easily pivot into a McGregor matchup by summer.
Gaethje vs. McGregor would be pure chaos — a guaranteed car crash that prints money. Gaethje has even said the UFC previously offered him McGregor, but the Irishman turned it down.
Meanwhile, McGregor vs. Pimblett once sounded absurd, but in 2026 it’s completely viable. Two massive personalities, nonstop trash talk, and global appeal. Plus, a win would immediately put McGregor back in the Lightweight title picture.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 19: Dustin Poirier salutes the crowd after the BMF championship bout during the UFC 318 event at Smoothie King Center on July 19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
This one feels unlikely — but not impossible.
Dustin Poirier received a near-perfect retirement send-off, yet he has openly admitted how much he misses competition. And if anyone could lure him back for one final payday, it’s McGregor.
The rivals are tied together forever after three fights, with Poirier winning the final two — including McGregor’s infamous leg-break bout. Poirier vs. McGregor 4 would sell, even if the chances are slim.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 14: Jorge Masvidal is seen on stage during a Q&A session prior to the UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-in at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
A few wild-card honorable mentions:
Jorge Masvidal: The former title challenger wants one more fight, and a McGregor matchup was once heavily discussed.Mike Perry: BKFC’s biggest star vs. the promotion’s co-owner is a bizarre but intriguing storyline.Dan Hooker: McGregor teased this matchup before — and it would be a guaranteed banger.
Who should Conor McGregor fight at the UFC White House? Let us know in the comments.
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