Conor McGregor leaks private message confirming UFC return date

Conor McGregor appears to have hinted at a date for his UFC comeback following Donald Trump's announcement that he will host an event at the White House.

On Thursday evening, the US president revealed his ambition to host a UFC event in 2026. The 79-year-old made several major declarations during a rally in Iowa ahead of Independence Day, whilst also outlining how the nation would mark its 250th anniversary next July, reports All Out Fighting.

Amongst the proposals was a UFC event at the White House. "And I even think we're going to have a UFC fight... Does anybody watch UFC and the great Dana White?' Trump asked the crowd of MAGA faithful. "We're going to have a UFC fight," Trump continued. "Think of this - on the grounds of the White House. " Trump added: "We have a lot of land there. We're going to build a little - we're not, Dana's going to do it, Dana's great, one of a kind - we're going to have a UFC fight, championship fight, full fight, like 20-25,000 people."

Some supporters are sceptical and outright opposed, but McGregor is all in on the idea. The ex-dual-weight UFC champion took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to express his enthusiasm about competing at the unofficial event, posting: "Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at the White House! I would be honoured! Count me in!" UFC head supremo Dana White appears to be on board too, following McGregor's leak of a chat with the 55-year-old. McGregor sent White some voice messages - apparently about the proposed White House event - and White responded: "I love it!"

READ MORE: Ben Askren's wife provides positive update as ex-UFC star has received double lung transplant

READ MORE: Conor McGregor deletes reaction to Ilia Topuria's brutal KO over Charles Oliveira

McGregor, who celebrates his 37th birthday later this month, hasn't entered the ring since his defeat by long-time rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was slated for a comeback last year against ex-Bellator lightweight king Michael Chandler but had to withdraw due to a training injury.

Whether McGregor will make a UFC comeback remains uncertain. The 'Notorious', with two bouts remaining on his current contract, has teased a return over recent months, yet no confirmation has followed. The 36 year old recently sent White a heartfelt message with his sons, saying, "What's up, Uncle Dana?" The Irishman continued: "Brother, we love you to bits. Go on, Dana. Go on, the Dana feller. The McGregors are only warming up. Up, Dana. Up the UFC. Let's go, baby!"

McGregor posted the video on his Instagram story with the caption '#loyalty', and White subsequently shared the heartwarming footage with his millions of social media followers. The fighter has intensified his training in recent weeks, and with the 36-year-old showing enthusiasm for a potential White House UFC event, there's a possibility that supporters might witness McGregor step into the octagon one final time. Nevertheless, many fans have simply lost interest.

"We don't care. There're only so many times you can fake a comeback," one supporter commented. Another user quipped: "Conor's seasonal workout video to make everyone talk about his comeback. "A third delivered a harsh verdict, writing: "No one cares. " Another added: "That's good for him doesn't do anything for fans because he ain't fighting," whilst a fifth remarked: "He's not coming back."