Conor McGregor Set to Join BKFC as UFC Contract Nears End

Conor McGregor, the iconic figure in mixed martial arts (MMA), is set to part ways with the UFC once his contract concludes. The fighter currently has two bouts left in his agreement with the promotion that catapulted him to global stardom, but whispers of a new venture are already circulating in the combat sports community. According to David Feldman, the president and founder of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) and a business partner of McGregor, the UFC superstar is likely to transition to competing for BKFC after his current fights.

Feldman shared insights during an interview with MMA Fighting, where he detailed conversations with McGregor regarding his potential future. “Unless he’s the best salesman in the world, the talks that we’ve had it’s like ‘I’m fighting here,'” Feldman stated, emphasizing McGregor’s firm intention to fight within the BKFC organization. McGregor’s transition to BKFC could represent a seismic shift in the bare-knuckle fighting scene, as his status as the biggest name in combat sports could draw unprecedented attention and viewership to the fledgling promotion.

The allure of McGregor’s participation in BKFC cannot be overstated. His presence would likely elevate the profile of the organization significantly. This was evident in the public’s reaction to the rumored fight between McGregor and fellow fighter Michael Chandler, which sparked immense fan interest despite not yet coming to fruition. Feldman expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of McGregor’s arrival, saying, “Why wouldn’t you fight here? Because you have equity in the company, and if you fight here, you’ll probably make more money than anywhere else in the world because of what it’s going to do for the company.” He firmly believes that McGregor’s future fights will be with BKFC, due to the unique business dynamics and financial incentives at play.

However, McGregor’s primary motivation for joining BKFC may not be to pursue a championship title. Instead, the organization might look to pair him against well-known names from both the boxing and MMA realms. Speculation is rife regarding potential opponents. If Nate Diaz, a familiar face from McGregor’s past rivalries, exits his UFC contract, he would be a logical contender. Similarly, Tony Ferguson, who is expected to be a free agent soon, might be eager to clash with McGregor or other prominent fighters. Another possibility could be a matchup with Mike Perry, who recently found himself in the spotlight after his loss to Jake Paul in a boxing match.

The landscape of combat sports is further complicated by the presence of Jake Paul, a figure known for crossing over between boxing and MMA. The commercial appeal of a potential fight between McGregor and Paul has not gone unnoticed. Although it remains uncertain whether Paul’s contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) would restrict him from competing in BKFC, there could still be opportunities for him to explore diverse combat sports ventures. This could potentially lead to a mixed-rules fight, allowing for a collaborative effort between BKFC, PFL, and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) group.

Historically, the UFC has maintained a firm stance against allowing fighters to participate in other combat sports outside of sanctioned jiu-jitsu competitions. However, McGregor could be the exception to this rule, given his status and the successful crossover of his boxing match against Floyd Mayweather, which was co-promoted by Dana White and the UFC. This precedent opens the door for the possibility that McGregor could re-sign with the UFC, provided he is granted the freedom to explore opportunities in other fighting arenas.

The looming question now is whether the UFC will extend an offer to McGregor that aligns with his aspirations for greater flexibility in his career. Should McGregor receive a proposal from the UFC that allows him to engage in various combat sports, it could lead to a renegotiation of his contract and a rejoining of forces with the promotion that made him a household name.

As it stands, 2025 could emerge as a pivotal year for BKFC and the entire bare-knuckle fighting landscape. The infusion of a fighter like McGregor into this arena promises to not only enhance its visibility but also reshape perceptions of bare-knuckle fighting as a legitimate and lucrative segment of the combat sports industry.

McGregor’s move to BKFC could signal a new era for the promotion, potentially attracting a broader audience and drawing other prominent fighters looking for new challenges. The convergence of these elements could redefine the combat sports scene, leaving fans eager to see how this unfolds. Whether he ultimately chooses BKFC or continues with the UFC remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Conor McGregor’s next steps in the world of fighting will be watched with great anticipation.