“F**k Vegas. F**k Vegas, serious. I want East Coast next… Couple of more West coast then East coast, then Dublin. That’s it, then it’s Dublin all the f**king way, that’s what I’m thinking.”
What a difference a year makes.
Back on February 17, 2016, Conor McGregor was preparing to take on UFC lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 196. He gave an interview to Severe MMA, before flying out for the final two weeks of fight camp, and insisted he was done with Las Vegas. The trekking, time difference and expense to Irish fans were not worth it.
Since that interview, McGregor fought Nate Diaz twice in Vegas [Dos Anjos withdrew from UFC 196 with an injury] and defeated Eddie Alvarez to become kingpin of the promotion’s 155lb division.
He was also fined $75,000 and ordered to perform 50 hours of community service by the Nevada Athletic Commission for his part in a press conference fracas before UFC 202 and his Diaz rematch.
One year on from that ‘F**k Vegas’ declaration and McGregor is back in the city to sort out some business. The end goal is to clear the path for a Vegas-hosted headliner bout between himself and undefeated boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Upon touching down in the United States, McGregor did not take long to pop a shot in Mayweather’s direction by responding to the boxer’s ‘happily retired’ statement.
I am in Las Vegas. Floyd has retired on my arrival. pic.twitter.com/z9EcxBJaDr
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) February 15, 2017
And then it was down to business.
McGregor is asking the NAC to re-hear the case that saw him fined so heavily after UFC 202. As per as statement released by NAC, Commission executive director Bob Bennett and chairman Anthony Marnell will recommend that his request is granted and the case be reconsidered on March 22.
Asked by MMA Fighting reporter Ariel Helwani if the commission would then look at sanctioning a boxing match against Mayweather, Bennett said: “Let’s cross that bridge when we get there.”
If McGregor and the commission can come to an amicable agreement next month, it should remove the final barrier in him getting a Nevada boxing licence.
Act 1 of Conor's plan is half done.
1: clear up issue w/ NAC
2: get boxing license in NV
3. Strike deal w/ TMT
4. Get UFC on boardEasy!
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 15, 2017
So, despite what Mayweather may be saying, many signs are pointing towards this fight going ahead. When that actually happens is another matter entirely.
Las Vegas is beckoning both men back.
