BKFC chairman backs McGregor to switch codes after final UFC fight

BKFC chairman Dave Feldman has publicly backed Conor McGregor to join the bare-knuckle boxing promotion after the former two-division UFC champion completes the one fight left on his current contract. McGregor, who is a stakeholder in BKFC, underwent surgery earlier this month to repair an ACL and meniscus injury sustained during his recent rematch with Max Holloway, with his return to competition not expected until well into 2027.

Feldman told SunSport that McGregor’s own desire to compete in BKFC is genuine, framing the final UFC bout as the key hurdle standing between the Irishman and a move to bare-knuckle. “He’s really looking forward to coming back and getting that last fight under his belt,” Feldman said. “So that way it clears him up for the ability to fight in the BKFC. And I really do think you see that happening.”

The BKFC chairman was candid about the conditions attached to his confidence, acknowledging that McGregor’s health coming out of that final Octagon appearance will be decisive. “Obviously, it depends on what happens with this next fight,” Feldman said. “If he can come out injury-free, you know, I would bet the house that you’ll see Conor McGregor in BKFC.”

McGregor has previously spoken openly about his interest in competing for BKFC, and his financial stake in the promotion gives him a commercial as well as competitive incentive to make the crossover. Whether that materialises depends first on a full recovery from surgery and then on how his final UFC appearance unfolds — a sequence of events that, at the earliest, is still the better part of two years away.