It is old news at this point that Conor McGregor owns part of the BKFC, America’s first bare-knuckle boxing promotion. Of course, ‘Mac’ was onboarded by virtue of him being one of the biggest, most popular fighters in the world, and has been in a mostly promotional role for the David Feldman-led promotion. Jeremy Stephens, who has now joined the BKFC roster after leaving the UFC three years ago, has very high expectations of Mac’s association with the promotion. In addition, he revealed the true extent of ‘Mac’s association with the bare-knuckle promotion.

After over fourteen years and over thirty fights in the UFC, Stephens was shown the door in 2021 by Dana White and Co. This was followed by a brief PFL stint and an even briefer pro boxing career. Last year, however, ‘Lil Heathen’ came full circle and signed with the BKFC, to professionally practice what he used to do in the streets growing up.

While he was at the receiving end of Conor McGregor’s famous “who the f**k is that guy” jab in 2016, he holds no animosity for the Irishman. He is positively elated at MMA’s biggest-ever superstar being part of his current organization since he knows only good things could come of it.

Speaking to ‘MMA Junkie’, the American admitted that ‘Mac’ joining the ownership group of the BKFC was “f*cking awesome,” pointing out that “Anything Conor touches, it’s gold. He brings a lot of eyes to the brand.” So pumped is Stephens at the move, and so hopeful of the value that McGregor would bring to the promotion that he compared the Irishman to the Fertitta brothers, the financiers behind Dana White‘s takeover of the UFC two decades ago.

“I feel like he’s the Fertittas to the Dana White. He’s the money behind the driving force,” he said. As far as their grudge goes, Stephens seems to have moved on and forgiven the former UFC champion, as he revealed further on in the interview.

Stephens sees ‘Mac’ bringing massive attention to the BKFC

Stephens revealed that not only was McGregor promoting the BKFC with his massive platform, but has also been financially supporting the business, for which the American was very thankful. ‘Lil Heathen’ further revealed that while he had been burned by McGregor at the UFC 189 pre-fight press conference all those years ago, it had pumped up the fans, who had shown up in droves to witness and even cheer Stephens’ fantastic victory on that card.

“I just go based on vibes. But as of right now, he’s behind it. He’s writing the checks. He’s keeping the business afloat, so I have nothing but gratitude for that. Like I said, Conor brings a lot of eyes. I fought on the cards UFC 189, flying kneed Bermudez. These Irish fans were some of the best fans in the world,” he said.

Of course, BKFC is still in its infancy and has a long way to go before it makes much of an impact in the combat sports world. But with Conor McGregor on board and the possibility that the Irishman may at some time in the future after he’s done with the UFC fights in the BKFC, its prospects are quite bright. What are your thoughts on Jeremy Stephens’ comments about Conor McGregor? Let us know in the comments below.