Once Conor McGregor wraps up a bit of business with the UFC, he’s setting his sights on the world of bare-knuckle.
In April, the Irish megastar sent shockwaves through the combat sports community by announcing himself as a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Recently, McGregor appeared at a BKFC press conference in Marbella, Spain where the former two-division champion revealed some insight into his existing contract with the UFC and his post-Octagon plans.
“This is the real deal,” McGregor said. “No one in combat sports can speak one bad [word] about a bare-knuckle fighting champion and that for me is money in the bank. For me, I have a bit of business left with Ultimate Fighting Championship, two fights left on my contract, but for sure we got three lightweights up here on the dais and you know, I have my eye on all of [them].
“I’m not up here just as an owner. Player-manager I’ll title myself on this one.”
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Conor McGregor Backs Mike Perry Against ‘Little Dweeb’ Jake Paul
The BKFC won’t return until August 3, but fight fans won’t have to wait that long to see one of the promotion’s top stars step into the ring. On Saturday night, the ‘King of Violence’ Mike Perry will strap on the 10-ounce gloves for a boxing match with YouTube sensation Jake Paul in Tampa, Florida.
“This is a sport on the rise,” McGregor said. “With my backing, I’m confident I can strap it to a rocket ship and send it right to the moon. Come and try your trade here at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Make a new name for yourself. Look at what has happened to Michael Perry, one of our big stars here. The ‘King of Violence’ he titles himself. He’s had such a rise in the sport now he’s up against a little dweeb this weekend, we’re all rooting for him.”
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Originally, McGregor was scheduled to return to the Octagon on June 29 for a clash with former Bellator MMA champion Michael Chandler in the UFC 303 headliner. Unfortunately, the bout was postponed after the Irishman suffered a broken pinky toe while training.
McGregor insists that the fight will still happen in 2024, but thus far, UFC CEO Dana White has not offered any insight into when or where.
Meanwhile, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship will return to action on August 3 when the promotion heads to Sturgis for a massive women’s strawweight title fight. Reigning champ Britan Hart puts her belt on the line against Taylor Starling in a first-time meeting between the two fan favorites.
Hart already holds wins over Paige VanZant, Pearl Gonzalez, ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings, and Charisa Sigala.
Check out the official trailer for BKFC 63: Hart vs. Starling below: