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Conor McGregor’s future outside the UFC is becoming one of the biggest questions in combat sports.
The former UFC champion has already made his interest in bare knuckle boxing clear, and BKFC president David Feldman now believes it is only a matter of time before McGregor competes for the promotion.
Feldman recently predicted that McGregor could make his BKFC debut within “15 months or so”, while also discussing the possibility of staging the Irishman’s first bare knuckle fight at Dublin’s Croke Park
There is still no official McGregor versus opponent announcement, however, and the Irishman must first complete his UFC obligations.
David Feldman expects Conor McGregor to fight for BKFC
Feldman’s latest comments provide the clearest timeline yet for a potential McGregor appearance in BKFC. Speaking about McGregor’s future, Feldman said he expects the former two division UFC champion to eventually compete in bare knuckle boxing once his UFC commitments are finished.
“I think within the next 15 months or so, you’re going to see Conor McGregor fight in BKFC,” Feldman said, according to Bloody Elbow’s report on his comments.
The prediction is significant because Feldman is not simply discussing a hypothetical crossover fight. McGregor is already a part owner of BKFC, and the two have an established business relationship.
However, Feldman’s prediction should still be treated as a forecast rather than an announcement. No official BKFC bout has been booked for McGregor.
McGregor has already said he wants to fight in BKFC
The strongest evidence that McGregor could eventually make the move comes from McGregor himself. During BKFC 93 earlier this month, McGregor posted an Instagram Story praising the promotion and describing bare knuckle competition as “true fighting.”
He then wrote:
“I can’t wait to do it, one more to go. One more to go and the Mac Daddy is free.”
The post was subsequently deleted, but it provided another indication that McGregor views BKFC as a potential destination after his UFC contract ends. The timing of the statement is particularly relevant because McGregor’s current UFC agreement still has one fight remaining according to recent reporting.
McGregor still has UFC business to finish
Before Conor McGregor can officially move to BKFC, there is an important contractual hurdle. McGregor has one UFC fight remaining, according to recent reports, meaning his next Octagon appearance would come before any potential BKFC debut.
His last UFC appearance came against Max Holloway in July. McGregor’s comeback ended after he suffered a knee injury during the opening sequence of the fight, with the contest eventually being stopped at 1:09. McGregor subsequently confirmed that he had suffered ACL and meniscus damage and underwent surgery.
His recovery therefore remains an important factor in determining when he can return to competition and complete his UFC obligations. Earlier reporting had indicated that McGregor’s final UFC fight could take place in 2027, although the precise timing of that fight and his subsequent free agency remain subject to his contract and recovery.
Why BKFC makes sense for McGregor
McGregor’s connection with BKFC goes beyond simply being a potential fighter. He became a part owner of the promotion in April 2024 through McGregor Sports and Entertainment. Since then, he has appeared around major BKFC events and promoted the organization publicly.
That relationship could make BKFC a natural destination once his UFC contract ends. Feldman also believes McGregor’s striking style could translate effectively to bare knuckle boxing.
“I think Conor’s skills would translate really well into bare-knuckle boxing,” Feldman told The Ring. “He’s great at being patient and picking and choosing his shots.”
Feldman also pointed out the commercial side of the equation. A McGregor fight would potentially generate a major payday for the Irishman while increasing the value of his stake in BKFC.
Croke Park could host McGregor’s debut
The most intriguing part of the discussion is the possibility of McGregor making his BKFC debut in Ireland. Feldman has openly discussed staging a major BKFC event at Croke Park, Dublin’s iconic stadium.
“I would love to do Conor in his first BKFC fight at Croke Park in front of 83,000!” Feldman said.
The venue recently hosted Katie Taylor’s retirement fight, reinforcing its ability to stage major boxing events in front of a huge Irish audience.
A McGregor bare knuckle debut at Croke Park would therefore combine several major storylines: his return to competition, his transition from MMA to bare knuckle boxing, his ownership connection with BKFC and a homecoming event in Dublin. But again, Croke Park has been discussed as a possibility rather than confirmed as the location of a McGregor fight.
There could be other options for McGregor
Feldman has also acknowledged that Conor McGregor could have opportunities outside BKFC.
“He might even be offered a major boxing match. Who knows? That’s also very possible,” Feldman told The Ring. “But if that doesn’t happen, I think we can put together a huge mega-fight at BKFC.”
That leaves McGregor with several potential paths after his UFC contract concludes.A return to boxing would be one possibility. Another UFC fight beyond his current deal cannot be completely ruled out until McGregor’s contractual situation is settled. BKFC, however, has become an increasingly visible option because of his ownership stake and his own public comments.
Who could McGregor fight in BKFC?
That remains one of the biggest unanswered questions. BKFC has developed a roster featuring former MMA fighters and crossover names, including Darren Till, who is scheduled to face Yoel Romero at BKFC 94 on September 26.
A potential McGregor opponent would likely depend on the promotion’s plans, McGregor’s weight class and the timing of his debut. For now, there is no officially announced opponent. The most important point is that McGregor’s participation remains unconfirmed despite the growing number of signals pointing toward BKFC.
So, will Conor McGregor join BKFC?
The available evidence points to a strong possibility, but it is not yet an official signing or fight announcement. McGregor owns part of BKFC. He has publicly expressed his desire to compete in bare knuckle boxing after finishing his UFC obligations. Feldman expects him to make his debut within roughly 15 months and has already discussed Croke Park as a potential venue.
At the same time, McGregor still has a UFC fight remaining, is recovering from knee surgery and has not been officially booked for a BKFC contest. For now, the clearest timeline comes from Feldman’s prediction rather than a confirmed schedule.
If McGregor does complete his UFC contract and follow through on his publicly stated interest, BKFC appears to be a leading potential destination for the next chapter of his combat sports career. And if Feldman’s Croke Park vision becomes reality, McGregor’s bare knuckle debut could become one of the biggest events in BKFC history.
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