Conor McGregor has admitted he may not feature on the UFC's White House card.

Former two-weight world champion McGregor has not fought for almost five years but is expected to return this summer. He had long been predicted to make his comeback in the main event of the UFC's card on Donald Trump's front lawn in June, but the Irishman has admitted he may now feature the following month, on International Fight Week.

"I am in negotiations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship about the bout, either the White House or thereabouts," McGregor said. "Sometime in the summer, McGregor will return.” The Dubliner's comments mark a departure from his previous claims when he insisted he would feature on June 14.

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"The Mac is excited to be back,” he told Fox News last year. “I'm on it (the White House card), this is me." He went as far to say he expected to fight Michael Chandler, with whom he was due to fight two years ago. “We've done The Ultimate Fighter. We’ve had a good back and forth. He's a good, tough guy," he added.

UFC CEO Dana White had also said he was considering a spot for McGregor to return on the card. "Conor [McGregor] and I have a great relationship," he said. "We talk a lot through text, and yeah, he's definitely in the running for this [White House] fight."

White is expected to announce the card this week with former heavyweight champion Jon Jones now in pole position to headline, possibly against former light-heavyweight ruler Alex Pereira. Jones said last week: "I'm in negotiations with the UFC about this White House (fight) as well. I'm a very proud American, and I cannot wait to represent one more time."