Michael Chandler says McGregor fight at White House Is a must-win for his legacy. Veteran lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes that if a fight with Conor McGregor happens at the upcoming UFC White House card in 2026, it could be the most critical bout of his career and he wants to make it count.
Chandler who is currently on a rough stretch with several losses argues that facing McGregor in such a landmark event would put more than just another fight on his record. The stakes would be high and the spotlight bright. Chandler, who has obviously lobbied to face McGregor at the White House card knows he’s in a bigger must win situation than perhaps any other time during his career.
“We would definitely have to go out there, dot our I’s, cross our T’s and go out there and not just beat Conor but dominate him and just systematically and surgically break the man down,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “To be able to get draped in the stars and bars and get my hand raised right there on the White House lawn. I’ve dreamt about it. I’ve visualized it ever since this announcement was made that we were doing this fight on the White House lawn and I believe it’s going to come to fruition.”
The White House event isn’t just any fight card, it’s being billed as one of the greatest spectacles the UFC has ever attempted. That alone adds weight to Chandler’s ambitions. Success could erase recent struggles from his record and cement his place again among the top contender.
“It’s America’s birthday,” Chandler said. “250 years and I would be the guy carrying the stars and bars, red, white and blue to the octagon in what we assume would be the main event. Obviously that comes with a little bit of extra pressure, a lot of extra layers. I do feel like I love this country. I love the people of this country. I love so many things about being an American. I truly believe we are the greatest country ever assembled.
“We have our black eyes, we have our blemishes, we have our moments, we have our pain, obviously over the last week we’ve been experiencing a lot of that. But I think this is a beautiful celebration of what this country is and who we are as Americans. I would love the opportunity to be it.”
Since neither Conor McGregor nor Michael Chandler currently holds a UFC title, there won’t be a championship on the line. But that doesn’t take away from how big this fight could be. Belt or no belt, Chandler is excited about the idea of beating McGregor and having President Donald Trump step into the Octagon to raise his hand in victory.
Even without a title on the line, this fight carries huge stakes for Michael Chandler. It’s not just about victory in the Octagon, it’s about proving himself as one of the sport’s biggest stages, making a statement to the world, and creating a moment that fans will remember for years. For Chandler, a win over McGregor at the White House would be the ultimate career highlight.
