Former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor has continued to pique the interest of UFC fans after laying out his "six-month operation" to prepare for the promotion's White House event.
McGregor, 37, hasn't fought since suffering a devastating leg injury in 2021 against recently retired lightweight Dustin Poirier.
However, after his recent foray into the world of politics, 'The Notorious' has pushed his name to the front of the queue to headline the landmark card scheduled to take place on the South Lawn.
Conor McGregor plans to lock in for six months ahead of the UFC White House event to correct what went wrong in his last fight against Dustin Poirier 👀 pic.twitter.com/spsByvDwvk
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) October 2, 2025
"I have eight months and change out to the White House event. It’s a six-month operation," McGregor told reporters at a BKFC 82 media roundtable.
"That’s my focus right now.
"I’m just eager to climb the steps into being ready for my return. There’s a lot at stake, and I’m very excited at the opportunity."
McGregor has publicly named Michael Chandler as his preferred opponent after their originally scheduled bout in 2024 fell through.
"I was right there with my last one," McGregor said.
"I was in incredible condition. Incredibly well-prepared. Just a slight lapse in concentration led to an injury."
With two fights left on his current UFC deal, back-to-back fights in quick succession could open the door for McGregor to make a late career switch into the bare-knuckle ring.
Having bought into the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships as a part owner, a stint in the squared-circle could revitalise his fighting legacy which has slowly eroded from years of inactivity.
"I wish to correct that and show what I’m about. I’m eager to get back, and we’ll see what the future holds after that."