Conor McGregor Reasserts Power in BKFC with Mike Perry Ultimatum and Star-Studded Signings

Conor McGregor was back in the spotlight at the BKFC Champions Summit press conference, where he seized the moment to flex his influence as co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). With his signature bravado on full display, the former UFC double champion made major announcements, including the long-awaited return of Mike Perry, while also unveiling a blockbuster slate of former UFC and boxing stars joining the roster.

Mike Perry, known as the “King of Violence,” has become the face of BKFC with his brutal, crowd-pleasing style. However, Perry has been absent from the bare-knuckle scene since April 2024, due in part to his boxing clash with Jake Paul in July. His return is now set for October 11, but not without McGregor stamping his authority first.

“You’re welcome back because I welcomed you back,” McGregor declared, alluding to his previous claim that Perry had been ousted from BKFC following his loss to Paul. The Irishman didn’t stop there. With his characteristic flair, he made it clear that Perry must now earn his place under McGregor’s ownership:

“Oct. 11 is your date, and you’ll dance for me, boy. You’ll dance for the owner, and then we can talk.”

While Perry has expressed openness to facing McGregor himself inside the bare-knuckle ring, the UFC superstar remains under contract with the promotion that made him famous. Still, McGregor has repeatedly hinted that he’s intrigued by the idea of crossing over into the world of bare-knuckle combat, and Perry appears to be the logical opponent if that day comes.

Before entertaining any personal challenge, however, McGregor insisted Perry must first handle his next opponent, a yet-to-be-named UFC veteran that McGregor promises will turn heads.

“Your date is Oct. 11, Michael Perry, the return of ‘Platinum’, and we’ve got [one] hell of an announcement for an opponent for you,” McGregor said. “One of the baddest men to ever grace the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but when it comes to bare-knuckle, he’s going to throw down with you in front of me for my viewing pleasure, and then I’ll decide if you’re worthy.”

Although names like Robbie Lawler have floated around as potential matchups, no confirmation has been made.

Meanwhile, BKFC continues its aggressive push for legitimacy and mainstream appeal by adding elite-level talent to its growing roster. The standout acquisition is none other than Yoel Romero, the former UFC middleweight title challenger and Olympic silver medalist in wrestling. Fresh off competing in the hybrid Dirty Boxing circuit (ironically promoted by Perry himself), Romero now brings his explosive skill set and imposing presence to bare-knuckle competition at the age of 48.

Another major signing is Thiago Santos, a former UFC light heavyweight title contender, who now seeks to reinvent himself in the bare-knuckle realm. Alongside Romero and Santos, the promotion also landed veteran fighters like Derek Brunson and Aspen Ladd, bolstering its men's and women's divisions respectively.

Adding to the mix is James DeGale, a former boxing world champion, whose entry signals BKFC’s intent to attract elite strikers from all disciplines of combat sports.

With McGregor’s showmanship, Perry’s return, and an influx of high-profile names, BKFC appears poised for its most explosive chapter yet. As the October 11 showdown looms and speculation swirls around Perry’s opponent, the fight world waits to see if McGregor’s next big move will finally bring him into the squared circle without gloves.