Conor McGregor reportedly wants $100 million “to fight at the White House along with 100 U.S. ‘Golden Visas” for his family and friends. The MMA icon, who hasn’t fought since the 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, aims for a shot at the much-talked-about spectacle at the presidential residence. The fate of his appearance still hangs in the balance. In the meantime, what’s certain is that he’s basking in the successful conclusion of his BKFC tournament.
On September 27, the bare-knuckle championship made its fourth appearance in England. After Newcastle, Altrincham, and Birmingham, it was time to entertain fans at the Cottonopolis, Manchester. The 81st edition of Conor McGregor-owned BKFC unfolded at the city’s AO Arena. Headlined by the light heavyweight bout between Olympic gold medalist and former super middleweight champion James De Gale and Australian Matt Floyd, the sold-out event featured over a dozen fights, giving every fan that edge-of-the-seat experience. Visibly impressed by its success, Conor McGregor wasted no time highlighting where the bare-knuckle format stood under his stewardship.
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We came, we saw, we smashed it – Conor McGregor on BKFC Manchester
Featuring a montage of photos and clips from the Manchester showdown, Conor McGregor minced no words, pointing to where the newest combat sport was headed. “A real step forward in our World Takeover!” He wrote before adding, “The UK Bare Knuckle scene is THRIVING TO SAY THE LEAST! ”
He highlighted the presence of many famous boxers. They seemed curious to experience bare-knuckle fighting for the first time. McGregor praised bare-knuckle fighting as a unique and artistic expression of boxing: “Their boxing brains alight at this new and unique artistic expression of their sweet science! ”
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Calling out BKFC for being ‘real,’ McGregor demanded ‘ULTIMATE RESPECT’ for the sport. According to him, it’s unique, intriguing, and exciting compared to today’s ‘mundane’ fighting landscape. Alongside a few special mentions, he thanked all the fighters and sponsors for their wholehearted support.
Undoubtedly, for a sport that only debuted in 2018, carving out its niche in a world dominated by major MMA and boxing promotions and continuing to attract new fans along the way deserves full praise.
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The gloves are off: BKFC returns on October 4
Overall, the show boasted fights across all its weight classes. But the spotlight remained on James DeGale vs. Matt Floyd. Additionally, BKFC Manchester also featured the clash between Jonny Graham and Navid Mansouri for the inaugural lightweight title.
Except for the main bout between De Gale and Floyd and the middleweight clash of Mikey Henderson vs. Benjamin Lowe, every other fight ended inside the distance. So it’s safe to say, fan excitement must have been through the roof.
Expecting around 17,000 fans at New Jersey’s Prudential Center for the crowning of a new King of Violence and the first-ever Queen of Violence, McGregor announced the BKFC’s next big show for this weekend. BKFC 82 is headlined by a welterweight duel between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens. On the card, former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar will face Jimmie Rivera in a featherweight showdown.
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It was only last year that Conor McGregor joined BKFC as a part-owner. Always a presence at key events, the Irish legend can proudly pat himself on the back as combat sport’s newest brand continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
What’s your take? Can bare-knuckle fighting rise to become real competition for MMA and traditional boxing?
