Michael Chandler could have competition when it comes to securing the spot opposite Conor McGregor in 2026.
Charles Oliveira has business to attend to this Saturday at UFC Rio, as ‘Do Bronx’ returns to competition for the first time since being brutally knocked out by Ilia Topuria at UFC 317 this past June.
Following that result, Oliveira has acknowledged that a rise back to the 155-pound title may not be on the cards. But that does not mean he is without big-fight options in the UFC, one of which the Brazilian legend sees potentially coming at a major venue.
Since President Donald Trump announced plans for a UFC White House event, a host of stars have thrown their names into the hat to compete on the card. Oliveira was the latest, and he wants a piece of the man widely expected to headline it.
Charles Oliveira reignites Conor McGregor talk amid White House talk
McGregor has not competed since July 2021. Since recovering from a broken leg, ‘The Notorious’ has had one booked fight against Chandler fall through due to a toe injury.
‘Iron’ has been widely mocked for continuing to hold hope of that fight coming to fruition. And following the Irishman’s promises to return for the UFC White House event, Chandler has restarted his campaign to face McGregor.
Now, though, the American could have a rival in that race — and it’s a man with two victories over him.
Oliveira will fight Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Rio on October 11. While previewing that fight during media day, the Brazilian fan favorite briefly looked ahead to what could await him in 2026.
Despite long-standing plans for Chandler to welcome McGregor back, Oliveira thinks he would be the perfect option to battle the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion instead.
“When we talk about legacy, I think this will be something huge,” Oliveira said when asked if fighting at the White House is a dream of his for 2026 (translated from Portuguese by @ChampRDS via X).
“Why not have a big fight there? So if the UFC needs me, I’m ready.
“Everyone knows which fight it would be,” he continued. “Charles Oliveira vs Conor McGregor. That would be the fight. The money fight.
Conor McGregor’s UFC anti-doping suspension will end before the White House event
McGregor’s plan to headline the highly anticipated card at the White House in 2026 won’t be affected by the recent revelation of his anti-doping suspension.
The Irishman had three whereabouts violations in 2024, resulting in McGregor being handed an 18-month suspension by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).
That punishment is retroactive to the date of the Irishman’s third violation, September 20, 2024, meaning he will be eligible to compete again from March 20, 2026, onwards.
With the UFC White House event set to take place on Trump’s birthday, June 14, McGregor remains in the running to compete at the venue next summer.