"When I was in China...": UFC Bantamweight Champion says Conor McGregor wants training session before planned White House return

UFC Bantamweight Champion Merab Dvalishvili made an interesting proclamation on social media today after meeting with Conor McGregor over FaceTime during the champion's brief stay in China, where the former two-division champion expressed an interest in training together, potentially ahead of McGregor's much-hyped return in a White House event.

While Dvalishvili is concentrated on his title defense, he stated that the timing might work out so that there could be time later this year to train together.

A spontaneous plan for UFC champion Merab Dvalishvili across continents

On the Full Send Podcast, Dvalishvili recounted the moment: "When I was in China, I met his friends and we FaceTimed, and he asked me if we could train, and I said, ‘Let’s go, Conor. I would like to train with you.’ … After my fight, I wanna fight again this year. After I can go visit him." His tone conveyed both enthusiasm and readiness, keen to seize the moment once his fight obligations are met.

Dvalishvili, who's defending his bantamweight belt against Cory Sandhagen at UFC 321 on October 4, emphasized that he would be all-in for the fight before any possible side plans. After that is done with, though, training with McGregor looks extremely likely.

All eyes on the White House stage

On the other side, the talk of Conor McGregor's return to the octagon never seems to quiet down.

Confirming serious discussions taking place over a historic event at the White House, UFC CEO Dana White this week told TSN that UFC 290 would take place at the White House, likely to coincide with America 250 celebrations in July 2026. White stated that McGregor rehired his old trainers, is out of fight-retirement mode, and "wants the White House fight," all in regards to McGregor's real desires of coming back to the octagon.Also Read: UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili’s recent post causes a stir among fans as many are shocked by itShould the rumors be confirmed, McGregor will most likely come back on this historic card, and is even rumored to be doing so against a big-name opponent, such as Michael Chandler. That said, getting in some quads with a high-caliber pound-for-pound player like Dvalishvili could be a smart move, the sort of thing that adds an extra edge, increases a little confidence, and stokes interest ahead of an Octagon return.Dvalishvili mentioning a training would come at a time where a wider story building around McGregor’s return was all stacking up nicely here; two men crossing paths at the crossroads of a rare breed of MMA elite.