Conor McGregor has shown an active interest in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), both as a promoter and potentially as a fighter. During recent discussions about the organization’s future, McGregor expressed his enthusiasm for fighting in BKFC once his UFC contract ends. He even floated the idea of other prominent combat sports figures, such as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, joining him, although such scenarios seem highly unlikely given the current commitments and statuses of those athletes.
McGregor’s possible entry into BKFC reflects his entrepreneurial approach to the sport, as he is now reportedly a part-owner of the organization. While it’s uncertain if or when he might actually compete, McGregor’s involvement is already boosting BKFC’s visibility, aligning with the organization’s ambitions of growing its global profile.
Tyson Fury, on the other hand, remains deeply focused on his boxing career and is preparing for a crucial bout against Oleksandr Usyk to reclaim his heavyweight titles. His participation in BKFC, as McGregor suggested, seems far-fetched at best.
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has garnered a dedicated following but remains on the fringe of mainstream combat sports. It has attracted some notable names from mixed martial arts, like Mike Perry, who has become a standout competitor in the organization. However, attracting globally recognized stars such as Conor McGregor, Tyson Fury, or Anthony Joshua remains more of a dream than a reality at this stage.
McGregor’s involvement with BKFC, particularly his publicized interest and part-ownership, has significantly boosted the organization’s visibility. Still, it’s uncertain whether McGregor will fight again in any promotion, including BKFC. His career has been marked by unpredictability, making it difficult to dismiss the possibility entirely. The idea of McGregor facilitating the involvement of stars like Fury or Joshua seems far-fetched, as both are entrenched in the world of traditional boxing.
BKFC’s future direction remains uncertain, but McGregor’s association has brought increased attention to the league, potentially paving the way for broader recognition and growth. Whether the organization can leverage this to bring in other big names remains to be seen.
McGregor Has to Get Things Together
Conor McGregor’s fighting career has been on pause since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, following a gruesome leg injury. Despite recovering physically, his return to the octagon has been marked by uncertainty. While McGregor was a coach on The Ultimate Fighter and linked to a highly anticipated matchup with Michael Chandler, that fight has been postponed multiple times and remains unscheduled. UFC CEO Dana White recently suggested that McGregor could return to action in 2024, but there is no definitive timeline.
McGregor’s erratic behavior outside the octagon has only added to the complications. His involvement in legal issues and controversial incidents has drawn attention away from his fighting potential. Additionally, as a part-owner of BKFC, his interest in transitioning to bare-knuckle fighting is intriguing but unlikely in the near future due to his binding UFC contract.
Whether McGregor steps back into the UFC cage, joins BKFC, or pivots toward a different career altogether, his next move remains unpredictable, much like the fighter himself.
Fury is an Interesting Story
Tyson Fury’s ties to bare-knuckle fighting stem partly from his father, John Fury, who was involved in the sport during its unregulated days. While John never competed in a formalized league, his background has undoubtedly influenced Tyson’s acknowledgment of the discipline. Tyson has spoken highly of bare-knuckle fighters and the sport’s traditions, showing respect for its rugged history.
Currently, Tyson Fury’s focus is on boxing’s biggest stage. He is preparing for a rematch with Oleksandr Usyk, who defeated him to become the undisputed heavyweight champion earlier in 2024. This fight, scheduled for 2025, is anticipated to be a defining moment for both fighters, with the heavyweight crown and significant legacies on the line.
At 36, Fury remains at the top of his game, though he has often hinted at retirement. If he were ever to consider joining BKFC after his boxing career, his stature and skill level would place him leagues above most fighters in the current roster, highlighting a substantial gap in pedigree and experience between Fury and BKFC’s toughest competitors. However, the likelihood of Fury stepping into the bare-knuckle ring remains speculative at best, with his boxing career and legacy still commanding his primary focus.
Joshua Isn’t in Great Spot
Anthony Joshua’s recent career trajectory has been marked by notable highs and lows. Following his surprising loss to Andy Ruiz Jr. in 2019, Joshua managed to reclaim his heavyweight titles in their rematch, showcasing his resilience and skill. However, subsequent losses, including two defeats to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, placed him in a challenging position regarding his place among heavyweight elites.
Joshua’s fight against Daniel Dubois was another setback, as Dubois defeated him in a performance that raised questions about Joshua’s ability to dominate in the heavyweight division consistently. His pedigree remains impressive, with multiple world titles to his name, but his recent results have led to speculation about his future direction in the sport.
Facing Francis Ngannou—a formidable MMA fighter but relatively inexperienced boxer—highlighted a mismatch in technical skill. While Ngannou’s power is undeniable, Joshua’s experience and refined boxing techniques gave him the upper hand. Still, this bout raised questions about the kind of fights Joshua should pursue to rebuild his career.
Joshua’s next steps remain uncertain. If he can recapture the confidence and form that made him a dominant force in his early career, he may yet secure his legacy as one of boxing’s greats.
BKFC Should Dream Big
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) has the potential to grow significantly if it can successfully attract bigger names to its roster. Combat sports rely heavily on star power, as seen with the rise of the UFC, which became a global phenomenon by leveraging big personalities like Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Brock Lesnar.
The UFC’s success stemmed from a combination of luck in timing and strategic marketing. Early stars like Royce Gracie in the 1990s and the infusion of reality TV with The Ultimate Fighter in the mid-2000s helped catapult the sport into mainstream consciousness. UFC President Dana White and his team have continually invested in promoting their athletes, creating storylines, and building rivalries that resonate with audiences.
BKFC, while still niche, has a foundation to emulate this model. Its raw and visceral style offers a unique spectacle in combat sports, but it needs well-known figures to gain traction with wider audiences. Signing even one mainstream star—be it a legendary boxer like Tyson Fury, an MMA crossover like McGregor, or a personality with a built-in fan base—could act as a catalyst for the organization to move closer to the mainstream.
By investing in the marketing and development of a few key athletes, paired with compelling events and narratives, BKFC could begin the transition from a cult phenomenon to a more widely recognized sports entity.
Who is the Biggest BKFC Star Right Now?
Mike Perry remains one of the most notable figures associated with BKFC, embodying the organization’s gritty and unorthodox ethos. His charismatic personality and chaotic, unscripted promos have resonated with fans, making him a strong figurehead for the sport. Despite a period of tension with BKFC earlier this year, Perry’s participation in a high-profile gloved boxing match against Jake Paul—where he was ultimately KO’d—demonstrates his versatility and appeal across combat sports.
Perry’s fighting style, characterized by relentless aggression and a focus on finishes, is perfectly suited to bare-knuckle fighting. His performances have consistently drawn attention, helping BKFC carve out its niche. However, Perry alone cannot sustain the organization’s growth indefinitely.
For BKFC to thrive and reach new heights, it needs to expand its roster by cultivating new stars and attracting more established names from other combat sports. This will help create compelling matchups and bring the organization closer to mainstream recognition. Building a deeper lineup of engaging personalities and talented fighters is essential for BKFC’s long-term success.
