The current situation between Conor McGregor (22-4) and the UFC seems to be changing every second nowadays. Last week it appeared that the promotion was going to book the rematch between McGregor and Dustin Poirier (26-6, 1 NC).
Both fighters had agreed to the fight. However, McGregor wanted the fight to be in 2020. McGregor said in a tweet that he would only accept the UFC‘s offer if the fight was to take place in 2020. 2021 was not acceptable for the Notorious one.
Today, UFC President Dana White came out and said that the offer was firm for January 23rd, 2021. It was a take it or leave it offer, and if McGregor wouldn’t accept it, the promotion would move on from trying to book the McGregor – Poirier rematch.
White taking this position seemingly indicated that the fight wouldn’t be made. It seemed to be a struggle over power between McGregor and the UFC. After initially saying he would only accept the fight in 2020, McGregor has reversed his position.
I accept, Jan 23rd is on!
My goal is to see this fight take place in Cowboy stadium. Proper Style! Jerry Jones is a friend and the stadium can hold our crowd. I will be ready for Texas and Texas will be ready for my fans!
Then Manny. #McGregorSportsandEntertainment— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 14, 2020
UFC in Dallas?
As you can see, McGregor has publicly said that he was in for the UFC‘s offer of January 23rd. However, he doesn’t want to fight in the APEX, instead he wants the fight to take place in Dallas, Texas at AT&T Stadium.
If the UFC decides to try to make this happen, it could be the first UFC event that would have live fans in attendance. However, the idea still seems a bit far fetched. There is likely no way an event would be approved to have full attendance.
White has said on a number of occasions that the promotion wouldn’t hold an event with partial crowds. They would wait until they could pack the arenas again with UFC fans. If the promotion holds an event in the Jerry Dome, it would likely be a limited crowd.
One thing is for sure, we are in a better position than we were in a few hours ago. Fans who are wanting to see the rematch between McGregor and Dustin Poirier might get their wish after all.