Under the glittering Dubai sky, Day 1 of BKFC 71 unfolded in dramatic fashion, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about events in combat sports this week. The scintillating action brought the heat, but what truly charged the atmosphere was the presence of its co-owner, Conor McGregor. Taking center stage and stepping into a leadership role, the Irishman operated like a hands-on CEO—front and center, driving the energy of the night. But amidst the glitz, it turned out to be a night of heartbreak for one man—former UFC heavyweight contender Aleksei Oleinik.

Making his BKFC debut, the Russian entered the squared circle with far more than a fight on his hands. Behind the gloves was a man burdened by a painful divorce, a defamation lawsuit, and mounting financial stress. Fighting under the lights at Dubai Tennis Stadium, the Russian had a singular goal! Survival—not just inside the ring, but in life. Facing Brazilian powerhouse Geronimo Dos Santos who outweighed him by 30lbs, the former UFC fighter fought not for glory, but out of necessity.

As he revealed before the fight, “I have left everything to my wife and family,” expressing his only desire now was to have a roof over his head and avoid homelessness. For the 80-fight veteran, this wasn’t just another bout—it was a desperate bid for financial stability. Tragically, the night ended in disaster. In the very first round, Dos Santos delivered a thunderous knockout blow that rendered Aleksei Oleinik unconscious. The silence that followed inside the stadium was deafening.

Even Conor McGregor, usually animated and vocal ringside, was speechless—his expression frozen as medical staff rushed to the ring. At the time of writing, officials have not released an official medical update on Aleksei Oleinik’s condition. But the Irishman didn’t stay silent for long. Posting on his Instagram story recently after the bout, he wrote: “Frightening KO! Prayers for recovery.”

A sentiment only a fighter can fully appreciate—one warrior acknowledging another’s pain. Aleksei Oleinik, who was part of the UFC roster from 2014 to 2022, was attempting to rebuild his life and career through BKFC. With no official word on his fight purse, it’s unclear how financially beneficial the bout was. What is clear, however, is that recovery—physically and emotionally—will take time.

Still, this might not be the final chapter in the Russian’s storied career. With any luck, BKFC—and perhaps McGregor himself—will offer some support to the seasoned Russian veteran during this difficult period. As for ‘The Notorious’, it appears his attention is also shifting toward the next generation, with a promising 26-year-old PFL talent quickly catching his eye.

Conor McGregor brands PFL rising superstar as the next “big thing”

Last month, even with two fights remaining on his UFC contract, Conor McGregor hinted at stepping away from MMA to pursue a future in Irish politics. Yet, regardless of whether he steps into the Octagon again, one thing remains certain—no fighter in MMA history has matched McGregor’s global influence. Though sidelined from competition since 2021, the Irishman continues to make waves outside the cage. In 2023, he secured a game-changing equity deal in BKFC, where he’s taken on a new role as a high-profile promoter—and by all accounts, he’s thriving in it.

After recently making headlines by calling out retired MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko to join BKFC, Conor McGregor appears to have turned his attention to another potential star—26-year-old PFL knockout artist Dakota Ditcheva. The British phenom made headlines last year after capturing the PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament title and pocketing $1 million. Since then, fans and pundits have urged the UFC to keep her on their radar. But McGregor may have other plans.

The two recently crossed paths at BKFC 71 in Dubai, marking their first-ever meeting. Cameras caught the moment McGregor approached her warmly, saying: “Dakota, a superstar, what’s up sweetheart?” After an embrace, he added: “You’re the next big thing, baby. Great to see you. You’re a strong woman, good girl. F—— awesome, great to see you, great to finally meet you. What’s the crack? What do you have up next?” To which Ditcheva replied: “I don’t know. PFL are working on something for me.”

Now shifting gears—what did you make of BKFC 71 Day 1? Is bare-knuckle the right stage for a battle-tested veteran like Aleksei Oleinik? Or would a promotion like GFL  offer a better stage to honor his legacy in the heavyweight division? Let us know what you think in the comments