Conor McGregor stole the spotlight while overseeing the face-off between BKFC KnuckleMania V headliners Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens.
Emanating from Wells Fargo Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, January 25, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship will deliver its fifth-annual KnuckleMania event, featuring a heavyweight title fight and a showdown between two former UFC stars.
McGregor a part owner of the BKFC—was on hand for Thursday’s press conference, but only after showing up late for the festivities.
“Oh, Philly,” McGregor said. “Sorry I’m late. I don’t give a f*ck. I’m the big boss around here. Philadelphia, what’s up? I’m here to summon the gods of fighting into action. May they turn our combatants’ knuckles to knives. And on Saturday night, may we all bleed in the honor of Philadelphia’s rich fighting history. May we, as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s organization, the alien of combat sport, rise above the night’s sky and rain down blows viciously, and prove our worth against any deniers.”
‘Mystic Mac’ then proceeded to hog as much of the spotlight as possible while the men headlining the event attempted to face off in The City of Brotherly Love.
Conor McGregor Backs Eddie Alvarez in KnuckleMania V Main Event
McGregor also made it clear who he’d be rooting for this weekend when the former ‘The Underground King’ steps inside the squared circle against Stephens.
“May local boy and former UFC lightweight champion, former Bellator world champion, shut this man up over here, Jeremy Stephens,” McGregor said. “He’s coming in here into Philadelphia on this great sporting weekend and trying to take you out, Eddie. This is as big a fight as it gets with world title fight implications.”
Of course, McGregor has a history with Alvarez. In November 2016, McGregor scored a second-round knockout against Alvarez at UFC 205 to capture the lightweight championship, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously—and then never defend them.
Check out the full BKFC KnuckleMania V press conference below: