Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 3 minutes | Author: ExpertFighter Editorial Team
Former UFC light heavyweight contender Chael Sonnen recently shared an unusual story involving UFC President Dana White and a misplaced Ferrari. During an interview with Steve Garcia, who faces Diego Lopes at the UFC White House event on June 14, Sonnen recounted an incident from his time staying at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Ferrari Discovery at Palace Station
Sonnen described noticing a black Ferrari parked illegally in the fire lane outside the Palace Station Hotel. The vehicle remained in the same spot throughout his week-long stay at the property, despite being parked on a red curb designated as a no-parking zone. The car was never towed or relocated during this period.
According to Sonnen, the Ferrari’s continued presence in an illegal parking spot led him to suspect the vehicle might belong to White. The former title challenger decided to reach out to the UFC president to confirm his theory.
White’s Response and Recovery
When Sonnen asked White about the Ferrari, the UFC president’s reaction confirmed the suspicion. White had reportedly lost track of the vehicle’s location for approximately two months. Sonnen shared the exchange on the Smash Cast podcast.
Key details from Sonnen’s account include:
- The Ferrari was parked in a fire lane at Palace Station Hotel and Casino
- The vehicle remained in the illegal parking spot for at least one week without being towed
- White had been searching for the car for approximately two months
- Upon learning the location, White immediately instructed his staff to retrieve the vehicle
Context and Vegas Lifestyle
The story provides insight into the high-volume lifestyle associated with Las Vegas business operations. White, who has built the UFC into a multi-billion dollar organization, maintains a significant presence in Las Vegas, where the promotion is headquartered.
Palace Station Hotel and Casino sits off the Las Vegas Strip and serves as a common location for fighters, trainers, and industry personnel visiting the city. The property’s proximity to UFC facilities makes it a practical choice for those working in mixed martial arts.
Garcia’s Upcoming Fight
The anecdote emerged during Sonnen’s interview with Steve Garcia, who is scheduled to compete against Diego Lopes at the UFC White House event. Sonnen correctly guessed Garcia was staying at Palace Station when conducting the interview, which prompted the Ferrari story.
Expert Fighter Final Verdict
This story illustrates the unpredictable nature of life in Las Vegas for MMA industry figures. While the tale may seem unusual, it reflects the reality of managing multiple properties, vehicles, and business interests across a demanding schedule. For White, who oversees hundreds of events annually and manages relationships with thousands of fighters, staff, and business partners, losing track of a vehicle for two months demonstrates the complexity of his operational environment. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most successful figures in combat sports face mundane challenges alongside their professional responsibilities. The fact that the Ferrari remained untouched in an illegal parking spot for an extended period also highlights the unique dynamics of Las Vegas hospitality and law enforcement.