UFC PRESIDENT WHITE EXPECTS MCGREGOR-MAYWEATHER TO HAPPEN

The glacier moved.After months of downplaying the likelihood of a dream matchup between UFC megastar Conor McGregor and unbeaten boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr., UFC president Dana White has shifted to “I do think it’s going to happen.”

White addressed his change of mind during an appearance with late-night host Conan O’Brien on Wednesday.

“There’s a lot of egos involved in this deal,” said White, “but on the flip side there’s so much money involved, I just don’t see how it doesn’t happen.”

The Los Angeles Times' Lance Pugmire reported last week that McGregor’s friend, Michael Conlan, said McGregor is planning on a September showdown with Mayweather. Conlan, Ireland's rising boxing star and a bronze medalist in the 2012 London Olympics, told the Times that he will be accompanied into the ring by McGregor when Conlan makes pro debut in New York on St. Patrick's Day.

During the talk-show appearance, White told O'Brien the fight will be a boxing match in a ring. White added he didn't see Mayweather winning by a knockout, given the Irishman’s “huge” size.

White noted another factor to consider: Mayweather has a history of struggling against tall southpaws like McGregor.

Weekend green zones Here are five of my five-star St. Patrick Day weekend party spots:

Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York has been a favorite for more than a decade with its live music and a menu featuring Shepherd’s Pie and Fish and Chips and much more. The party spills out on a patio that runs parallel to the replica of the Brooklyn Bridge.

O’Sheas, long a favorite for the budget-minded revelers, has been replaced by a more upscale version after the development of The Linq. They are billing it as O’Sheas Bloq Party at The Linq. Just look for the giant Ferris Wheel known as the High Roller. The old O’Sheas closed nearly five years ago. If you’re staying on the Strip, it’s one of more centrally located St. Patty’s hotspots.

The Beer Park, a 10,000-square-foot deck located in front of Paris Las Vegas, is another new and convenient mid-Strip location that will likely be rocking. It offers a great view of the Bellagio Fountains, an impressive number of high-def TV screens, 100 beer options (36 on tap and none of them green) and endless grilled food options.

Fremont Street Experience turns into Bourbon Street for the big party weekends and this is one of the biggest, with entertainment going on three stages. Hennessey’s Tavern figures to be party central. Look for the giant pint of Bass.

Ri Ra Irish Pub at the Shops at Mandalay Bay (linking Luxor and Mandalay Bay) has an amazing draft beer selection. The corned beef and cabbage gets high marks. If you’re a fan of Moscow Mules (raising my hand), you’ll find some interesting takes, from the Irish Mule (with Jameson Black Barrel Irish Whiskey) and the Strawberry Mule (with vodka and ginger beer and bitters).

Other options include: McMullan’s Irish Pub on West Tropicana, Three Angry Wives (Boca Park), JC’s Irish Sports Pub (Rampart Casino), and Crush inside the MGM Grand is offering a full Irish menu, including lamb stew, and claims the most famous Irish bartender in town, John O’Donnell.

On this day... March 17, 2004: A thief breaks into the Elvis-A-Rama Museum in Las Vegas, stealing $300,000 worth of memorabilia, including jewelry and .38 caliber handgun. The booty is recovered the following year and the thief is arrested, but the museum closes in 2006.

The punch line “First, (Rachel Maddow of MSNBC) let us know just how much information she had. Then after 20 minutes of explaining what taxes are and who Donald Trump is, Maddow was ready to show the tax return. ‘We’ll go through it next.’ What! A cliffhanger! Is this news or a reality show? I don’t want to watch ‘America’s Got 1040s.’” – Stephen Colbert.