Sonnen says McGregor would be ideal for UFC in the White House, but questions his return: 'I don't know what he wants'

Donald Trump and McGregor during the Irishman's visit to the White House. Photo: Reproduction Instagram/thenotoriousmma

UFC at the White House is confirmed, but the presence of Conor McGregor on the card is still uncertain, at least in the opinion of Chael Sonnen. In an interview with 'The Ariel Helwani Show', the former fighter considered the Irishman's possible participation in the historic event scheduled for July 4, 2026, in Washington DC, and left it up in the air whether the former champion has any real interest in returning.

"There's something special about Conor. If you're trying to put on a really great night, and you can get him on the card, you've already satisfied everything. I just don't know what he wants to do," Sonnen said.

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The event, which will be held in the Presidential Garden of the White House as part of the celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the United States, was confirmed by President Donald Trump in July 2025. Shortly after, Dana White, 'boss' of the UFC, also made the card official, although without giving details about how it would be organized or which fights could take place.

The card is expected to have between 20 and 25 spectators at the venue, with facilities set up especially for the occasion. The presence of Conor McGregor would be the finishing touch to transform the event into a historic milestone. However, the Irishman remains without a fight scheduled and his future with the organization is uncertain.