Dana White says the gate for UFC 303 broke records (via Imago/UFC.com)

Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon is already shattering records before the first punch is even thrown. According to Dana White, the gate for McGregor’s comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 has surpassed the $20 million mark. This made it the highest-grossing live gate in the promotion’s history.

Dana White confirmed the staggering numbers while speaking at the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference. This milestone eclipses the previous record of McGregor’s 2016 bout against Eddie Alvarez, which generated an impressive $17.7 million gate.

It’s already way over $20 million.

Dana White at the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference

It should come as no surprise that the ‘Notorious’ is once again shattering records. After all, Conor McGregor is responsible for three of the four highest-grossing gates in UFC history. This is a testament to his unparalleled star power and ability to captivate audiences worldwide. The astronomical live gate figures are certainly impressive. More than a million pay-per-view buys remain likely, and there are many international broadcasting deals for this event.

The Irishman has kept himself busy during his nearly three-year hiatus from the sport. He sold his Proper No. 12 Irish whiskey brand and even made his big-screen debut. This was a remake of the classic action flick Road House. When McGregor and Chandler finally step into the octagon, the stage will be set for another unforgettable chapter in the Irishman’s storied career. This one promises to break records inside and outside the octagon.

Dana White refuses Joaquin Buckley’s request for Conor McGregor

Joaquin Buckley’s impressive performance at UFC St. Louis caught Dana White’s attention. However, his post-fight callout did not go as planned. The UFC CEO heaped praise on Buckley for his dominant win over Nursulton Ruziboev in his hometown of St. Louis. However, he swiftly shut down the welterweight’s request for a fight against Conor McGregor.
Dana White rejects Joaquin Buckley vs Conor McGregor (via Imago/Forbes)
Buckley delivered another sensational outing by dismantling the dangerous Ruziboev in the co-main event. The 30-year-old put his win streak on the line just six weeks after scoring the biggest victory of his career against Vicente Luque. White, however, refused Buckley’s request for a fight against McGregor with one word.

It was an incredible performance, and in his hometown. In my experience, and it’s funny because you get some guys say, ‘It’s my dream to fight in my hometown,’ but most people don’t want to fight in their hometown… Nuh uh.

Dana White at the UFC St. Louis post-fight press conference

While Buckley’s bold callout may have fallen flat, his performance inside the octagon spoke volumes. The St. Louis native has now strung together an impressive four-fight winning streak since returning to the welterweight division. He is rapidly climbing the ranks and positioning himself for even bigger opportunities.