In an unexpected alliance, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has strategically aligned himself with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), marking a pivotal venture for both the iconic fighter and the burgeoning promotion. McGregor, absent from the cage for over two years, took center stage at BKFC 41 last April, creating ripples in the world of combat sports.
Constantly exploring novel business avenues, McGregor’s partnership with BKFC extends beyond the ring. While the enigmatic “Notorious” has become a spectator at combat sports events, his Forged Irish Stout has now ascended to the status of an official partner for BKFC, adding a unique flavor to this collaboration.
BKFC announces partnership with Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout. pic.twitter.com/RiSdjCtrhr
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 17, 2024
The electrifying moment at BKFC 41, where McGregor engaged in a faceoff with UFC veteran Mike Perry, illuminated the night following Perry’s triumph over former champion Luke Rockhold in the main event. McGregor, in an exclusive interview with Ariel Helwani, openly conveyed his profound admiration for BKFC, further cementing the connection between the fighter and the promotion.
BKFC, known for signing fighters with established MMA pedigrees, has orchestrated a significant move by joining forces with McGregor. While the dream of coaxing the UFC’s biggest star into a bare-knuckle bout remains unrealized due to contractual obligations, the partnership itself is a testament to BKFC’s ambition to elevate its standing in the combat sports landscape.
Speculation abounds regarding whether “The Notorious” will eventually embrace bare-knuckle fighting, but for now, the 35-year-old is gearing up for a much-anticipated return to the UFC. Scheduled to face his Ultimate Fighter coaching counterpart, Michael Chandler, in June, McGregor’s impending comeback adds another layer of anticipation to the narrative.
This groundbreaking collaboration between BKFC and Conor McGregor not only highlights the promotion’s strategic vision but also underscores McGregor’s continued influence in the realm of mixed martial arts. As the partnership unfolds, the question of whether McGregor will venture into bare-knuckle fighting lingers, promising to shape the trajectory of his storied career.
KAIRA’S VIEW
In an unexpected twist, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has ventured into a new realm by joining forces with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Despite not having entered the cage himself for over two years, McGregor remains an avid spectator at combat sports events, as evidenced by his surprise appearance at BKFC 41 in Broomfield, CO, last April. While McGregor’s foray into bare knuckle fighting seems unlikely for now, his Forged Irish Stout has secured an official partnership with BKFC. The memorable moment at BKFC 41, where McGregor engaged in a faceoff with Mike Perry after the latter’s victory over Luke Rockhold, showcased the Irish star’s respect for the promotion. Although BKFC would undoubtedly welcome McGregor into a bare knuckle bout, his existing UFC contract signals that, for now, the partnership alone stands as a noteworthy move for a promotion traditionally built on former MMA stars. As fans speculate on McGregor’s potential bare knuckle future, the 35-year-old is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to the UFC against The Ultimate Fighter coach Michael Chandler in June.
