McGregor Preparing For BKFC Debut

Published: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 4:22 am

McGregor Eyes Bare Knuckle Boxing Debut, But Hurdles Remain

Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion, is reportedly preparing for a potential debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). According to BKFC President Dave Feldman, McGregor is training intensely with the winner of the upcoming fight between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens at BKFC 82 as his target.

However, a significant obstacle stands in the way of this crossover. McGregor is currently under contract with the UFC for two more fights. For him to compete in BKFC, the UFC would need to release him from his contract.

McGregor's last fight was in 2021, a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. A planned comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 was cancelled due to a toe injury. While he has re-entered the UFC testing pool, with an eye on a future UFC card, his next move remains uncertain despite Feldman's comments.

The potential move to BKFC raises several considerations. Some analysts suggest it could be a high-risk, low-reward scenario for McGregor. His legacy is built on his UFC titles, and bare-knuckle fighting presents a more dangerous environment, potentially jeopardizing his career with a single injury. His recent inactivity and age also raise concerns about his suitability for the sport.

From a career perspective, fighting in BKFC, a smaller promotion, could be perceived as a step down, potentially signaling the end of his time at the top. While he would be the biggest name in BKFC history, it could be viewed as a move of desperation.

For BKFC, signing McGregor also presents substantial financial risks. The investment required to secure his participation would be considerable, potentially consuming a large portion of the promotion's budget for a single event. There is no guarantee that McGregor's appearance would translate to long-term growth for BKFC.

BNN's Perspective:

The potential move is a gamble for both McGregor and BKFC. While the financial incentives for both parties are obvious, the risk of damaging McGregor's legacy and the potential for limited long-term gains for BKFC are significant. The UFC contract situation adds another layer of complexity, making this a situation to watch closely.

Keywords: Conor McGregor, BKFC, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, UFC, Dave Feldman, Mike Perry, Jeremy Stephens, UFC contract, MMA, combat sports, fighting, boxing, injury, legacy, career, promotion, financial investment

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