BKFC President Believes Conor McGregor Will Eventually Enter Bare-Knuckle Fighting

Conor McGregor’s next move inside the fight world remains a mystery, but Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) president David Feldman has a bold vision for the Irish superstar’s future — and it doesn’t necessarily include the Octagon.

While McGregor has kept fans guessing with repeated hints about his UFC comeback, including flirtations with a potential White House event and frequent callouts to fighters like Michael Chandler, his relationship with BKFC continues to generate intrigue. As a part-owner of the bare-knuckle promotion, McGregor’s involvement already raised eyebrows when he stepped into the ring for a faceoff with Mike Perry in 2023, igniting speculation about a future BKFC appearance.

Now, Feldman is doubling down on that idea. In a recent interview following a press conference, Feldman shared his perspective on McGregor’s mindset — and why he believes a BKFC fight isn’t just possible, but likely.

“If he gets those two (UFC) fights done, 100 percent he does,” Feldman told MMA Junkie. “But that’s a long way away. If he has the drive to do it, which I think (he does) … I’ve seen a different Conor McGregor.”

Feldman emphasized that McGregor, often seen shifting between flamboyant ambition and family-focused humility, is in a phase that prioritizes discipline and dedication. The BKFC boss believes McGregor is currently in the right headspace to make such a move, especially given the potential business upside.

“Then you could see the guy who wants to take care of his family really good, which he always does. But take care of his family, go to the gym and train, and I know which Conor I’m getting, and I’m getting that Conor right now,” Feldman added. “So I wouldn’t be surprised. And why wouldn’t he, though? It’s going to help skyrocket the equity that he has, so why wouldn’t he?”

McGregor hasn’t fought since July 2021, when he suffered a devastating leg injury in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Though he was slated to face Michael Chandler — a matchup announced more than a year ago — the fight has stalled indefinitely. UFC CEO Dana White recently admitted he hasn't spoken to McGregor in quite some time, largely due to both parties being too busy to align schedules.

In McGregor’s absence from competition, questions about his fighting future have only intensified. He remains the UFC’s biggest star and a global combat sports icon, but his ambitions have clearly expanded. From business ventures and political aspirations to continued involvement in various promotions, McGregor’s next step seems as likely to shock as it is to inspire.

For BKFC, McGregor’s participation in a future bout would be transformative. His mainstream appeal and notoriety would catapult the bare-knuckle brand into new levels of visibility and legitimacy. And as Feldman suggests, with McGregor having a financial stake in BKFC, a personal appearance inside their ring would only enhance the value of his investment.

While fans wait for definitive news on McGregor’s next fight — UFC or otherwise — Feldman’s prediction introduces a compelling new chapter. If McGregor does indeed fulfill his remaining UFC obligations and maintains the drive Feldman sees in him, then his BKFC debut may not be far-fetched after all.