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A UFC star has claimed that Conor McGregor chose not to fight him at the UFC's White House card in June. The card, which marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, will be held at the residence of the US President and is among the most eagerly-awaited events in recent memory.

McGregor, among others, lobbied to feature on the card, but when Dana White revealed it last week, McGregor's name was noticeably absent. His long-standing rival, Michael Chandler, secured a spot, and he will face rising UFC star Mauricio Ruffy. However, the 29-year-old Ruffy claims he was originally scheduled to face McGregor, not Chandler, but that the switch occurred after the Irishman opted not to fight the Brazilian.

Speaking on the Overdogs Brazil podcast, Ruffy said: "Conor McGregor talked about the possibility of a fight, opened up the possibility of fighting. It was discussed, but he's the one who makes the decisions and he made the decision not to fight. I also didn't have high expectations about it."

For McGregor's part, the Dubliner has maintained that his intention was to be prepared for the White House card and that his opponent was scheduled to be Chandler, the man he was supposed to make his comeback against in 2024 before pulling out with a toe injury.

"As I was aware, it was the White House," McGregor told the Smash Cast podcast last week. "I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House. It was McGregor versus Chandler.

"The story was built in. Chandler is a stand-up guy, he's electric in the cage. He comes to bring it. I'm the Mac. I'll fly through the air in an opponent like Chandler. It would have been dynamite as a fight.

"And somewhere down the line... [they said] maybe we're going to go with you for International Fight Week. [I said] no problem [and they said] maybe we're going to leave Chandler. I do like Chandler. I have been preparing for him for the last two years. I feel a bit weird; he deserves to go after the waiting and it would be a great fight.

"It gets me back in there but you know they feared off it. You know I'm not going to I'm not going to be too picky. I have to get back. I'm eager to get back. I've been out and love myself. So I'm sorry Chandler, it is what it is."

The former dual-weight champion is now speculated to make his comeback during International Fight Week in July. However, in the same conversation with the Smash Cast crew, McGregor disclosed that he was still awaiting a 'respectable offer' from the UFC.

He continued: "[They said], 'We're going to offer you this opponent.' Yes, no problem. I accept day after day after day. That's a great match-up is all you ever hear about out of me, and no contract came. I'm still here in this limbo. I know Audi, my manager, is out there in Las Vegas on Monday for a face-to-face meeting. I hope a respectable offer comes through."