Conor McGregor has declared that his eagerly-awaited UFC return is confirmed.

The former two-weight UFC champion hasn't competed since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was scheduled for a spectacular comeback last year against ex-Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler, but was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury.

In July, US President Donald Trump shocked fans when he revealed his ambition to host a UFC event at the White House. UFC boss Dana White supported his remarks, and the 56-year-old ultimately approved the spectacular event.

With the White House card scheduled for next June, numerous fighters will be keen to make history. Whilst the official fight card remains under wraps, it appears McGregor will feature on the bill. The Irishman recently outlined his requirements for his cage return, posting on social media: "$100million to fight at the White House along with 100 U.S 'Golden Visas' for myself and family and friends. I look very forward to entertaining the fighting world once again. A pleasure I never take for granted!" Additionally, he claimed to be in direct negotiations with the White House regarding his UFC comeback.

Following talks, it appears McGregor is officially set to make his comeback next summer, reports All Out Fighting. "It's a done deal, signed, delivered," McGregor told Sean Hannity. "End of negotiations. McGregor will compete in the White House for America's 250th birthday."

The 37-year-old was subsequently questioned about whether his boss, White, had given the green light for his return. "Me and Dana are in constant communications," he replied. "We've done incredible business together. I'm the highest generating fighter of all time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. They've just signed a breathtaking deal with Paramount where we're going to cable tv. $7.7 billion that deal! I'm ready to rock baby, bring in the big dog, the Mac!"

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In an earlier interview, McGregor insisted he would battle Chandler, despite the latter's three consecutive defeats. The pair served as rival coaches on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023 but have yet to clash inside the Octagon.

"The Mac is excited to get back for sure," McGregor told FoxandFriends."I'm on the White House card, this is me. I'm fighting Michael Chandler. Michael Chandler and myself have done the show The Ultimate Fighter, we've had a good back and forth. He's a good, tough guy."

Despite his sights being set on a bout with 'Iron,' MMA coach Javier Mendez has suggested that the Irishman should face Paddy Pimblett at the White House card next June. "I would prefer Conor to face Paddy over Chandler if Conor is going to be on this White House card," he shared with Thunderpick.

"For me, Paddy The Baddy is a bigger fight than Chandler. I'd like to see him. I like him. I'd like to see him fight Conor; that would be entertainment. I'd also like him to fight Islam, that probably won't happen, but you never know. This is entertainment first."

Magomed Ankalaev's showdown with Alex Pereira is scheduled for Saturday, October 4 in Las Vegas. The early prelims are expected to kick off around 11pm UK time (3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET), with the prelims following at 1am UK time on Sunday (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET on Saturday).

The main card will commence around 3am UK time on Sunday (7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET on Saturday). The main event between Ankalaev and Pereira is likely to take place around 5am UK time on Sunday. The fight shouldn't start later than this but could be brought forward if the prelim fights finish earlier than anticipated. Fans in the UK can catch all the action on TNT Sports.