However, while this is thrilling for the fans, it might not be as great for McGregor’s opponent, Michael Chandler, who has been waiting for his ‘red panty night’ for over 18 months, as recently pointed out by a well-known MMA analyst.

Michael Chandler’s payday for Conor McGregor fight takes a hit

Despite California’s bold move to improve the situation for MMA fighters by introducing a retirement benefit law, the high tax ceiling remains a persistent obstacle. This issue recently resurfaced when Chisanga Malata, a senior journalist for Sun sport, expressed his concern on X by sharing Chael Sonnen’s analysis video. Malata wrote, “Will be a huge kick in the you know what’s if Michael Chandler ends up waiting for nigh-on two years for the biggest payday of his career against Conor McGregor and he ends up in California where taxes are a boatload 🙃.”

This news will definitely be a wake-up call for Chandler, who has been grinding away in preparation for McGregor while dodging other opponents in his division, staying away from his family and kids, and has not fought since November 2022. The problem with Californian’s tax law is nothing new for MMA fighters.

Back in 2018, after the UFC 232 PPV event, Dana White was scrutinized by the critics and media for potentially compensating fighters to offset the increased taxes. White shot down the idea, countering with the question who would compensate him if he compensated the fighters. This issue was recently revisited by White’s friend and UFC commentator Joe Rogan in the latest episode of his podcast.

Joe Rogan weighs in on California’s high taxes

Californian’s steep taxes have become a thorn in the throat not just for fighters but for regular folks trying to make ends meet. Recently, Joe Rogan aired his concerns about the state’s tax laws, which are driving people to relocate. In a recent podcast episode, Rogan was joined by PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel, and the two tackled California’s tax system, which has surged to 14.4% this year for those making over $1 million annually.

Rogan highlighted the current situation in the state, which is pushing people to leave. He said, “There’s not a lot of logic going on with the way people are talking about taxes today like, California just jacked their taxes up to 14 %, was it 14.4 %? You want more money for doing a terrible job and having more people leave for the first time ever in like the history of the state…people are forced with no choice what are you gonna do?”

While Sonnen has dropped this bombshell, the expectations are still for McGregor-Chandler to happen in December. There are no other big-name champions available to close out the year, and McGregor fits the bill for the sign-off show for 2024. The last time he fought on a December PPV, he knocked out Jose Aldo in 13 seconds to claim the featherweight title.

What are your thoughts on the situation raised by Chisanga Malata regarding Michael Chandler’s ‘red panty night’? If it affects Chandler’s purse, he might demand a shift to another event, which could delay the fight even further. Drop your thoughts in the comments.