The UFC head honcho basically said, \u201cThat\u2019s so two years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
That leaves McGregor without an opponent \u2014 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 \u201cThe Notorious.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n But if McGregor does return in Washington, D.C., who makes the most sense?<\/p>\n Here are some of the best options:<\/p>\n LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 19: Nate Diaz reacts during the Nate Diaz v Jorge Masvidal press event \u201cThe Baddest Tour\u201d at The Novo on April 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kaelin Mendez\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n IIf there was ever a perfect moment to finally book the trilogy<\/a> with Nate Diaz, this is it.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, then McGregor evened the score five months later in one of the best fights in promotion history.<\/p>\n The score sits at 1-1, the fight has been teased for years, and Diaz hasn\u2019t competed in MMA since submitting Tony Ferguson in 2022 (watch highlights<\/a>). If the trilogy is ever happening, UFC White House<\/a> is the card.<\/p>\n 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)<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n Since then, Holloway has evolved into a global superstar \u2014 the BMF champion<\/a>, an all-action fan favorite, and one of the most respected fighters on the roster. He\u2019s delivered some of the most iconic moments in UFC history<\/a>, including multiple \u201cFight of the Year\u201d contenders and unforgettable finishes.<\/p>\n Holloway is scheduled to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 326<\/a>, and regardless of the outcome, a McGregor rematch makes sense. A win sets up a massive BMF-style showdown, while even a loss wouldn\u2019t kill the appeal of revisiting a rivalry that predates both men\u2019s superstardom.<\/p>\n Two legends. One historic card. And a chance for Holloway to finally get one back from McGregor on the biggest stage possible.<\/p>\n LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 05: (L-R) Opponents Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett face off during the UFC It\u2019s On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger\/Zuffa LLC)<\/p>\n Justin Gaethje\/Paddy Pimblett loser<\/p>\n This option is a little out there and really depends on next weekend\u2019s UFC 324 interim Lightweight title fight.<\/p>\n Both Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are massive names, and the loser could easily pivot into a McGregor matchup by summer.<\/p>\n Gaethje vs. McGregor would be pure chaos \u2014 a guaranteed car crash that prints money. Gaethje has even said the UFC previously offered him McGregor, but the Irishman turned it down<\/a>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, McGregor vs. Pimblett once sounded absurd, but in 2026 it\u2019s completely viable. Two massive personalities, nonstop trash talk, and global appeal. Plus, a win would immediately put McGregor back in the Lightweight title picture.<\/p>\n 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)<\/p>\n This one feels unlikely \u2014 but not impossible.<\/p>\n Dustin Poirier received a near-perfect retirement send-off<\/a>, yet he has openly admitted how much he misses competition<\/a>. And if anyone could lure him back for one final payday, it\u2019s McGregor.<\/p>\n The rivals are tied together forever after three fights, with Poirier winning the final two<\/a> \u2014 including McGregor\u2019s infamous leg-break<\/a> bout. Poirier vs. McGregor 4 would sell<\/a>, even if the chances are slim.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n A few wild-card honorable mentions:<\/p>\n Jorge Masvidal: The former title challenger wants one more fight, and a McGregor matchup was once heavily discussed.<\/a>Mike Perry: BKFC\u2019s biggest star vs. the promotion\u2019s co-owner is a bizarre but intriguing storyline<\/a>.Dan Hooker: McGregor teased this matchup before<\/a> \u2014 and it would be a guaranteed banger.<\/p>\n Who should Conor McGregor fight at the UFC White House? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n![\"LOS](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768519809_933_gettyimages-2149335205.jpg\"\/)
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