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:
Nate Diaz
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.
Max Holloway
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.
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.
Dustin Poirier
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.
Other options
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.
That’s it, Maniacs.
Who should Conor McGregor fight at the UFC White House? Let us know in the comments.
