Conor McGregor has once again grabbed attention with a bold statement about Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Speaking at the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship Italy press conference McGregor teased that mixed martial arts legend Fedor Emelianenko might be joining the promotion.
“Fedor Emelianenko? Stay tuned, we might have an announcement with Fedor Emelianenko,” McGregor said hinting at big news ahead.
Fedor Emelianenko is One of the Greatest Heavyweights in Combat Sports
Known as The Last Emperor Fedor Emelianenko built a legendary reputation in mixed martial arts competing against some of the best heavyweights in history. He made his name in PRIDE before moving on to promotions like M One Global Strikeforce RIZIN and Bellator. Despite his dominance he never signed with Ultimate Fighting Championship a fact that disappointed many fans.
Throughout his career Emelianenko has faced top names like Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, Andrei Arlovski and Fabricio Werdum. His record stands at forty wins seven losses and one no contest with a mix of knockouts and submissions proving his elite finishing ability.
His last fight was in February of 2023 when he challenged Ryan Bader for the Bellator heavyweight championship but lost by first round technical knockout. After that loss many believed he had officially retired. However McGregor’s comments suggest otherwise.
“Hey, Fedor, we’re waiting. Some news might be coming with Fedor Emelianenko,” McGregor added making it clear that discussions could be ongoing.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has been gaining popularity by signing former Ultimate Fighting Championship stars and top-tier fighters from different promotions. McGregor who is part owner of the organization has been heavily involved in promoting the brand and bringing in notable names.
Currently the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship heavyweight division is led by Ben Rothwell another former Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor. If Emelianenko joins the promotion a fight between him and Rothwell would be a massive event in the heavyweight division.
“Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is signing and acquiring the best fighters of all time, past, present, and future,” McGregor stated reinforcing that the promotion is constantly growing.
While nothing is official yet McGregor’s words have sparked speculation about whether Emelianenko will make a surprising return to competition. Fans will now have to wait and see if The Last Emperor will step into the bare knuckle ring.
“We might have an announcement with Fedor Emelianenko. Hey Fedor, we’re waiting.”
Conor McGregor teases Fedor to BKFC 😳
🎥 @bareknucklefc pic.twitter.com/yXniKlJann
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) February 16, 2025
