In the year 2020, UFC CEO Dana White found the Tachi Palace Casino on private tribal land to host the UFC 249 event. He pulled the California card at the request of ESPN. Afterwards, he said the brass would try to come back whenever possible and show them the same love they got. Now, top honcho White is ready to put some dough behind it – even put up a Conor McGregor level fight at the spot without the dedicated gate or footfall.
On March 25, promotional CEO White vowed to build the “best card ever” for April 18, 2020. UFC 249 had to move out of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The New York Department of State informed the promotion that due to pandemic precautions, the event would not take place. However, neither did the pay-per-view (PPV) spotlight at Tachi Palace due to COVID-19 clinical restrictions and test pools. Now, he plans to get back to it at California.
I need to find an island somewhere, cause…cause we tried to get it done in this country. And we couldn’t get it done in this country. Everybody is too scared… Except for an Indian reservation in of all fu*king places – California… I owe them a favor…They call me tomorrow, I’ll put on a fu*king Conor McGregor fight at that place. I owe em one.
Dana White said (🎥: @JustTheFights3)
Dana White on Tachi Palace: I owe em one. Whenever they’re ready to cash in I’m here.pic.twitter.com/MrwUYLbAfn
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) November 20, 2024
With UFC®, and its parent TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) putting restrictive holds and choosing roadshows and close loop spots like California, it could be a pure hit. As would a “Connie comeback” pay-per-view (PPV). McGregor was to make his return in June but it has not come to pass. Boasting his spot as a PPV king, ‘The Notorious’ and his return would sell out any show and any spot. Consequently, even unknown markets in California.
Back in the day, Dana White and his convo with ESPN Get Up! host Mike Greenberg about Tachi Palace highlighted his eagerness. As it does now; only remains to be seen when and how it happens. As for a McGregor return, the fighter has had another call-up from Michael Chandler.
Michael Chandler wants Conor McGregor to fight in UFC International Fight Week 2025
Michael Chandler (23-9 MMA, 2-4 UFC) still hasn’t turned his back on UFC star Conor McGregor. Turning that page on this money fight and commitment is not a possibility. Chandler was to welcome him in a five-round welterweight affair at UFC 303 Pay-per-view (PPV) in June. But McGergor pulled out with yet another injury and Chandler moved on.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor gets another call-up (Source: X)Chandler, a former Bellator lightweight champion, made his return to the octagon at last Saturday’s UFC 309 event. There he lost a unanimous decision to Charles Oliveira after having put his career on hold for over a year waiting to fight McGregor. Now back in action, the 38-year-old wants another McGregor fight in summer 2025.
I think me and Conor International Fight Week is the next fight, …That’s what I’m throwing out there. I think June, July…’m not saying it’s a real reality, but I am saying if he does, his road comes straight through Nashville, Tennessee. The UFC wants us to finish The Ultimate Fighter – Conor wants to fight me, and he can fight anybody. He made a commitment.
Michael Chandler to Will Compton & Taylor Lewan for Barstool Sports Presents Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWithTheBoys)
He coached The Ultimate Fighter 31 against McGregor and wants to end that saga. Chandler’s belief is that the Irishman will be back in the cage, and he’s extremely confident that the fight will be against him. Dana White also believes a “Connie comeback” happens during middle to later part of next year.
As well as thinking he makes the most sense, Chandler also thinks McGregor misses the octagon. He doesn’t think he’ll make his break from the sport permanent. Even away from fighting he is a top draw and a pay-per-view (PPV) delight. McGregor is a fame hard to come by or topple; even harder to give up.
