Discussions have reignited between the UFC and the powers that be in Hawaii about holding an event on Oahu, a concept that was once viewed as untenable. Nearly a decade has passed since negotiations between the world's leading mixed martial arts organization and the state fell apart due to a multimillion-dollar sponsorship fee. All the latest sports news from Hawaii's sports station Talks have been held between the UFC and Hawaii's Sports Task Force, which serves under the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. A potential fight card centered around Waianae's Max Holloway at the University of Hawaii's Stan Sheriff Center could be held as early as 2025. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob DeMello KHON (@robdemello) "This time is different because we have the full-fledged support of the state this time around," Hawaii Sports Task Force chair Keith Amemiya told KHON2 sports director Rob DeMello. "Gov. Green and Department of Business and Economic Development and Tourism director Jimmy Tokioka are strong proponents of sporting events being brought to Hawaii. Not only is it an economic boon, it's great publicity for Hawaii. It uplifts the entire state. And this would be a perfect event to bring to our home state if we can pull it off. "I've been in ongoing discussions, including in-person meetings with UFC, including Hunter Campbell, one of the top executives at UFC, at his office on several occasions over the past year. They've been very productive. They're very interested in having an event here in Hawaii. It's a matter of the timing, when to have it, how it fits in with the rest of UFC schedule and frankly, whether it makes economic sense for all parties involved. We're very hopeful that this time will be different and we can land an event here in Hawaii headlined by Max." In addition to Holloway, the UFC features a handful of fighters from Hawaii who competed for the organization in 2024. Kahuku's Dan Ige and Punahele Soriano, as well as Waiakea alumnus Brad Tavares, are members Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. Additionally, Kauai's Josh Quinlan most recently fought at UFC on ESPN 58 in June.