Conor McGregor ventured into the world of fight promotion just over a year ago, but he insists he hasn`t given up on fighting himself.
Last April, the former two-division UFC champion surprised combat sports fans by acquiring a significant stake in the fast-growing Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) through his company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment.
His decision to invest in BKFC and take on a promoter role led many fans to question if his days in the ring were over.
However, McGregor explained he was compelled to join BKFC after being impressed by the promotion`s “beautiful violence.”
In a recent interview, he described BKFC as “a major player in this industry,” noting its rapid growth and “rock-solid foundation” with a strong roster of fighters and team.
McGregor believes BKFC`s increasing popularity is partly aided by a stagnation he sees in other combat sports promotions, including the UFC.
“In that time, you know, I won`t say stale,” he commented, “But certain things have hit almost a plateau. Certain other players have hit a plateau. And all of a sudden, bare knuckle arises.”
He feels the timing of BKFC`s emergence was perfect, offering a “wild card” with significant events happening globally.
McGregor, 36, finds himself captivated by the intensity and brutality of BKFC, which is quickly gaining wider acceptance.
He even expressed an interest in potentially stepping into the BKFC ring himself one day, stating, “I’m not up here just as an owner, player-manager, I’ll title myself on this one.”
McGregor has not competed in any combat sport since breaking his left leg during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago.
The former two-division UFC champion was slated for a major return to the octagon against Michael Chandler last June, but he was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a broken pinky toe.
Adding to the uncertainty, McGregor dramatically hinted in March that his fighting career might be over, suggesting he felt content with his accomplishments.
However, he has since reversed this position, recently showing renewed interest in a long-awaited clash with Chandler, especially after Chandler`s recent loss to Paddy Pimblett.
McGregor posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I`ll only come back to a stadium. IRON MIKE CHANDLER, unfinished business.”
If McGregor does return to fighting, it would be his first appearance since being found civilly liable for an assault incident at a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
The former champion appealed the verdict delivered by Dublin`s High Court last month, hoping that the introduction of new evidence will overturn the result of the civil trial.
Percy Harlow