Conor McGregor Set to Fight in BKFC After UFC Contract, Confirms BKFC President
BKFC President David Feldman is confident Conor McGregor will fight in BKFC, as the UFC star looks ahead to his next move after his UFC contract expires.
Conor McGregor’s next move in combat sports may not be in the UFC octagon, but rather in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). BKFC President David Feldman is “100 percent” confident that McGregor will step into the bare-knuckle ring once his UFC contract ends. McGregor, who is part-owner of BKFC, has expressed serious interest in taking part in a fight within the promotion.
McGregor’s UFC Career in Limbo
McGregor’s UFC career has been on hold since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, where he suffered a broken leg. His long-awaited return was scheduled for UFC 303 against Michael Chandler in June, but a toe injury forced McGregor to withdraw. Chandler has since moved on to a rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November.
With two fights still remaining on McGregor’s UFC contract, fans are left wondering what his next step will be. McGregor’s involvement in BKFC, both as a part-owner and as a potential fighter, has been growing. Feldman believes it’s only a matter of time before McGregor makes the switch, particularly because of his deepening investment in the organization.
Feldman’s Confidence in McGregor’s BKFC Future
In a recent interview, Feldman detailed his conversations with McGregor, sharing that the Irish fighter has been adamant about competing in BKFC. “I truly believe what he said — I think 100 percent he fights here,” Feldman told MMA Fighting.
McGregor’s potential shift to BKFC is bolstered by the fact that he holds equity in the company, which means he stands to make significant profits if he fights there. Feldman emphasized that McGregor could earn more in BKFC than anywhere else due to his ownership stake and the growing popularity of the organization.
UFC Co-Promotion Unlikely
One of the biggest obstacles for McGregor’s BKFC debut is his current UFC contract. While McGregor has suggested the possibility of a co-promotion between the UFC and BKFC, Feldman admits that’s unlikely. “The UFC doesn’t need us. We need them, but they don’t need us,” he said.
This means McGregor would have to complete his remaining UFC fights before he can commit to BKFC full-time. In the meantime, McGregor has been actively involved with the promotion—attending press conferences, supporting fighters ringside, and promoting BKFC events on his social media platforms.
Other Fight Options for McGregor
Aside from BKFC, McGregor has also been linked to potential boxing matchups. Fights with names like Manny Pacquiao, Jake Paul, and even KSI have been mentioned. However, with McGregor’s stake in BKFC and his growing passion for bare-knuckle fighting, it seems likely that BKFC will be his next major venture once he fulfills his UFC obligations.
McGregor’s Commitment to BKFC
Feldman has praised McGregor for his involvement in BKFC, noting that he is much more than just an owner in name. “He’s been unbelievable. He’s really been a partner so far. Blew away my expectations,” Feldman said. McGregor’s hands-on approach, from attending events to meeting fighters and promoting the brand, has shown his dedication to helping grow the promotion.
McGregor himself has expressed belief in the future of BKFC, telling Feldman that the promotion is poised for major growth in the coming years. “It’s going to be the biggest thing in the world in a few years,” McGregor told Feldman during one of their recent conversations.
What’s Next?
While McGregor’s future with BKFC is all but guaranteed, fans will have to wait until his UFC contract runs its course. With his star power and the exponential growth of BKFC, it’s clear that McGregor’s involvement in bare-knuckle fighting could take the organization to new heights.
Whether it’s boxing, UFC, or BKFC, McGregor continues to be a major draw in the world of combat sports, and all eyes will be on him as he navigates the next phase of his career.
Conor McGregor’s venture into bare-knuckle fighting seems inevitable, and his involvement could push BKFC to the next level in the combat sports world. Fans will be eager to see how McGregor’s journey unfolds once his UFC contract expires.