Conor McGregor’s says that his latest business venture could remake the combat sports landscape.
It was revealed this past April that McGregor, easily one of the biggest combat sports stars of his generation, had expanded his empire by finalising a deal to became co-owner of the bare-knuckle fight league Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). The deal sees McGregor come on board alongside the organisation’s existing leader, David Feldman, to propel the fight league to the next level after it had already experienced significant growth following its establishment back in 2018.
In October, BKFC will host its first event in Marbella, Spain — fittingly in an arena predominantly used for the sport of bull-fighting — and ahead of the card, McGregor appeared alongside Feldman and a host of fighters from the card where he explained further his motivations for aligning himself with BKFC and how he expects it grow precipitously in future.
“We are here today to witness the next evolution in combat sport, and nobody knows this game better than me. I conquered mixed martial arts, both inside the ring and outside the ring. And today, I am here before you as the owner of the newest and most exciting addition to the combat sports universe: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, baby!” McGregor said.
“The business I own and support have always been in sectors that I believe in. I look for opportunities that mean something to me. Creating Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey; a whiskey that is truly representative of my Ireland was critical to me. McGregor F.A.S.T. is a program I use to optimise my training and push my limits. I believe in it because I live it.
“Forged Irish Stout, as you can see … is a gorgeous example of the best Ireland has to offer. I’m incredibly proud of these businesses and these products. I do not enter any business venture lightly or without serious thought of what I can bring to the table. So when you see my name tied to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, you know that I am truly committed to the business and bringing it to the absolute heights of success.”
“I started out as a boxer, and bare knuckle fighting is the purest form. Just watch one fight and you’ll be hooked, like me. I started watching a lady know from the UFC named ‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings and she was a female world champion in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. I was just taken aback by what the sport was, what it was about. Any real fighter knows that to have a Bare Knuckle Fighting world championship is a real feather in the cap. Once I came then live to see an event I was blown away by it. I began conversations with Dave [Feldman], who I’m a big believer in. I don’t just back the product, I back the people behind the product. Dave Feldman has done a tremendous job, a stellar job.
“This is a sport on the rise, and with my backing I’m confident I can strap it to a rocket ship and send it right to the moon.
“Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is number one in this space. There is no one on this level with us, we are separate from any other entity in combat sport and that is a beautiful place to be in this time.
“We do not want to see mixed martial artists go from one organisation to another organisation; we’ve seen it. We wish for them to take their chances. Come and try your trade here at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Make a new name for yourself, look at what has happened to Michael Perry — one of our big stars here, the ‘King of Violence’. He’s had such a rise in the sport and now he’s up against a little dweeb of a thing [Jake Paul] in a fight this weekend and we’re all rooting for him.
“For me, I’ve a bit of business left with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Two fights left on my contract — but for sure, we’ve got three lightweights up here on the dais and I have me eye on all of this. I’m not up here as just an owner, I’m player-manager.
“This is a sport like no other. I am excited to be up here not just as an owner but to be a genuine fan.”
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