Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor on The White House grounds? What was once whispered as a wild idea has now been dragged into the spotlight with all the subtlety of a press-conference brawl. As talk of a UFC White House card, tied to America’s 250th birthday, continues to swirl, one of the sport’s most prominent and influential behind-the-scenes figures has thrown a verbal grenade straight at Conor McGregor. The interesting bit? He did so with unmistakable intent involving Justin Gaethje.
A Grudge Match for America’s 250th Birthday – Justin Gaethje vs Conor McGregor?
The provocation came from Ali Abdelaziz, the longtime manager of Khabib Nurmagomedov and current manager of welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, a man whose history with McGregor is steeped in rivalry and bad blood. Abdelaziz has never hidden where he stands when it comes to “The Notorious,” and his latest remarks only reinforce that reality.
Appearing in a Submission Radio exclusive, the 48-year-old Egyptian was asked who he would prefer for Justin Gaethje should he win the upcoming wild card bout against Paddy Pimblett.
Rather than focusing on belts or rankings, Abdelaziz pitched something far more combustible: a grudge match, staged on June 14, at a potential UFC White House event. In true Ali fashion, he didn’t bother with diplomatic language.
“Screw the interim belt, grudge match June 14th, America’s 250th birthday – Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor,” Abdelaziz floated his proposal. “What about that? America’s birthday – bring an Irish drunk guy to the White House, make sure he doesn’t have any drugs on him or cocaine – fight Justin Gaethje.”
The comment instantly lit up the MMA world, not just for its shock value, but for what it represents. Abdelaziz isn’t a random provocateur. He’s the voice behind two of the most dominant lightweights the sport has ever seen, and a central figure in one of MMA’s most infamous rivalries. His loyalty to Khabib, whose feud with McGregor culminated in their chaotic UFC 229 clash, has long fueled his willingness to take public shots at the Irishman.
Ali Abdelaziz proposes Justin Gaethje vs Conor McGregor for the belt if Justin wins and Ilia gives up the title
"Bring an Irish drunk guy to the White House to fight Justin Gaethje." 👀
(Via @SubmissionRadio ) pic.twitter.com/DV2SCpV8v6
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) January 20, 2026
Those digs, particularly the references to substance abuse, are rooted in years of animosity between the camps. From post-fight melees to courtroom jabs and social media warfare, the McGregor-Khabib rivalry never truly ended. Abdelaziz has simply inherited the role of keeping that fire alive.
But beyond the insult lies an idea that the UFC knows all too well how to sell. Justin Gaethje versus “The Notorious” is the kind of fight that requires no belt to justify it. Violence, name recognition, and unfinished narratives would carry the promotion on their own.
Justin Gaethje, aka “The Highlight”, a fan-favorite brawler and former interim champion, remains one of the division’s most bankable fighters. McGregor, despite not competing since 2021, is still the sport’s biggest draw.
The proposed setting only adds fuel. A White House UFC card, tied to a historic national celebration, would be unprecedented. It would blur the line between sport, spectacle, and cultural moment, something McGregor’s career has thrived on.
