Conor McGregor has announced his comeback opponent, and Daniel Cormier is all in to see the return of the Irishman. After all, he will finally be going one-on-one against Michael Chandler. ‘DC’ sees Conor McGregor’s upcoming fight on the White House card as the perfect stage for the Irishman’s return; however, he has also thrown caution about the challenges McGregor may face, with some tips for ‘Iron’ to capitalise on. So, what are they?

Well, Cormier is aware of the hurdles the Irishman may encounter following a four-year absence. This isn’t just about throwing punches; it’s about entering the cage with confidence after a long layoff and past injuries. Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘DC’ shared that he believes Chandler is the ideal opponent for McGregor.

“He’s one of the most patriotic guys you’ll ever meet, and to fight Conor at the White House? That’s the kind of thing he’s all in on,” Daniel Cormier explained. Chandler’s desire to stand in the pocket and go toe-to-toe with opponents qualifies him as a fighter who can put a returning champion to the test.

The mental side of coming back, however, cannot be disregarded. The former UFC double champion recalled a lesson from Chris Weidman, who entered his own return fight hesitant to throw a leg kick because of a prior injury, and it cost him. “You have every intention going in, but that injury plays with your mind,” DC said. “McGregor’s going to have to shake off that fear and trust his body again.”

Further in the video, Cormier also brought up Chandler’s likely strategy. Leg kicks could be a major issue, so Conor McGregor will need to adapt. “Chandler be willing to use leg kicks as a game plan to try and give McGregor real problems.” So, for the returning Irishman, it’s not just about power or speed; it’s also about composure, timing, and confidence after a long absence.

Nonetheless, the excitement of the White House card lends the bout a historic feel. With the Octagon on the South Lawn and weigh-ins at the Lincoln Memorial, DC believes the setting will motivate both fighters to deliver. However, the underlying message also remains clear: the physical and mental hurdles are real, and ‘The Notorious’ cannot afford to underestimate them. Especially against Michael Chandler, the man who claims to have some serious ‘unfinished business.’

Michael Chandler opens up on facing Conor McGregor

For Michael Chandler, the White House card is more than just another fight; it’s an opportunity to finish unfinished business with Conor McGregor. Their intended battle fell through years ago due to McGregor’s injury, and Chandler has since remained busy in high-level fights to keep himself prepared. Now, as the historic July 4, 2026, event approaches, he sees this as the perfect stage for both fighters.

‘Iron’ emphasizes that reliability is just as important as spectacle. He believes the UFC can rely on him to show up and deliver, adding that the White House card includes matchups that are almost guaranteed to happen. “When you’re building a card of this magnitude… it’s about putting on the best fights that are the most reliable,” he said.

There is also a personal stake. Michael Chandler acknowledges their mutual respect but focuses on their Ultimate Fighter history and unfinished business. “We have some unfinished business. I’ve got respect for him, he’s got respect for me, but we do have [some] unfinished business.” The combination of that and the unique platform convinces him that this is the right fight at the right time.