McGregor plans bare-knuckle move after final UFC fight: 'Teeth come and go'

Conor McGregor has announced he plans to leave the UFC after fulfilling his final contracted fight and compete in bare-knuckle boxing, dismissing concerns about the added physical toll with characteristic bluntness: “Teeth come and go.”

McGregor made the revelation while speaking with Spitfire Gym Berlin at the Hype Italy event on Monday, confirming what had long been speculated given his 2024 ownership stake in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

“Bare knuckle; I really enjoy bare knuckle fighting,” McGregor said. “I don’t think there’s any chance of a boring fight in bare knuckle. Bare knuckle is very exciting, very dangerous, and it takes more courage for me, I think, to get in. So, I’m looking forward to a bare knuckle fight, myself.”

He was unambiguous about what his next UFC appearance will represent. “I’m gonna lay off my gloves in that octagon for my final UFC contract, but not to retire — to announce bare knuckle!”

The announcement comes as McGregor continues to recover from a serious knee injury sustained in the opening moments of his UFC 329 comeback against Max Holloway this past summer — his first octagon appearance in five years. He underwent surgery following the stoppage and is not expected to return to competition until next summer, at which point he will fulfil the remaining fight on his current deal.

McGregor acknowledged the knee setback may have coloured his enthusiasm for MMA, but insisted the appeal of bare knuckle is genuine. “Now, I am a mixed martial artist, maybe I’m just saying this because I had a bad time out the last time? Good MMA, really good MMA is hard to beat. But bare knuckle is very exciting.”

He has previously expressed interest in a rematch with Holloway, given the unsatisfying circumstances of their first meeting. Whether that bout materialises as his UFC farewell remains to be seen, but McGregor’s direction beyond it now appears set.