UFC fighter Conor McGregor will have a role in the new season of Game of Thrones, according to UFC president Dana White.

The 28-year-old - current lightweight and featherweight champion - has earned a spot in the seventh season of the George RR Martin adaptation, which is currently being filmed in his homeland of Ireland.

"I knew that a few months ago that they were interested in putting him in the show," White told reporters. "I'm glad he did it. It'll be great."

McGregor's character has yet to be confirmed, although fan speculation has suggested that he could play an adversary to The Mountain, played by his friend Hafpor Julius Bjornsson.

The new season of the show is due to premiere next summer.