Between the years of 3 ABY and 4 ABY, Jabba Desilijic Tiure orchestrated what became known as the Death Match on Tatooine, alternatively referred to as a mission to Tatooine, inside the Mos Espa Grand Arena. This event was designed to unveil his Megadrioid to the galaxy's criminal elements. The planned confrontation pitted the bounty hunter Beilert Valance against the droid, but the situation changed when Valance's associates, T'onga's crew, emerged to assist him in dismantling the machine. The destruction of the droid was expected to simplify the impending rescue of Han Solo.
The initial appearance of the Death Match on Tatooine was in Bounty Hunters 42, and it was highlighted on the issue's cover.