Conor McGregor, now a part owner, had to “put my name back to it, solidified it.” You see, when President David Feldman initially started out, BKFC had its first sanctioned bare-knuckle event at a hockey rink in 2018 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Only 2,000 people showed up. You’d think that’s lowly, but perspective too, like everything else, needs a frame of reference. Much like how Fertitta brothers understood the importance of state-sanctioned events to shake off the stigma surrounding the sport in the early years of UFC, BKFC’s 2018 event came at the helm of 56 rejections from 28 states and the one time he faced bankruptcy in 2016. But now? As of 2024, BKFC’s valuation stands at $400 million, with plans of expansion in Europe and the Middle East. Feldman delivered on the latter on April 4.

Yes, they went to Dubai for BKFC 72! The David Feldman-led promotion made its debut in the Middle East on April 4 and 5 at the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Stadium, delivering raw, unfiltered combat, with Trout vs Trinidad-Snake headlining the main card. And guess who was there? It was none other than Conor McGregor!

“Dubai, stand up! Bare Knuckle FC is here,” he yelled into the microphone during his interview. But further, when asked about how the promotion is gearing up to compete against the top shots of the combat sports world, ‘The Notorious’ emphasized: “Not only is there no chance of a boring fight in BKFC, there’s no chance of a boring exchange.

“Look at these last five fights — that was the highest caliber and highest level of fighting you will ever see, ever, anywhere across this planet. These gentlemen put up an incredible fight. Nico, he has my face tattooed on his leg. Now he is the number one contender for King Kai’s belt, who fights later on this evening. The stakes are rising, and we are enjoying every single minute.”

Conor McGregor‘s words hold some truth—BKFC does resemble a fight between two gladiators. Two fighters step into the ring with bare knuckles, battling each other until only one is left standing. Unlike other promotions, most fights in BKFC don’t go the distance. Blood, sweat, and the fact that some fighters lost a tooth or two deliver the high-paced fights that the audience demands.

Dubbed as the fastest growing major combat sports organization, BKFC has already made inroads in England, Spain, and Dubai, and with the Italy event lined up, Conor McGregor is looking to conquer the European roads while UFC focuses on the American markets, not yet exploring the potential of the European audience. As promotion gains popularity, Conor McGregor has dropped a banger announcement that pulls him closer to making a debut!

Conor McGregor confesses inner feelings about BKFC debut!

The biggest question making rounds in the MMA community is Conor McGregor’s comeback. The former dual-weight champion has been away from the Octagon for years now, and with no concrete signs of a return, many fans believe this might be the end of the road for ‘The Notorious.’ Although McGregor occasionally announces his return, most of these claims tend to be exaggerated. Earlier this week, the former UFC champ was asked about his BKFC fight, to which McGregor emphasized that he would be a perfect cutout for the promotion and its style.

“I’d do very good [in the BKFC]. My accuracy is final. I’m very accurate and I’ve got big lunch boxes as well, big sledgehammers are there for fists. So, you know, I’d be confident in it for sure. Would I be putting weapons in my back pocket? Yes. I’m looking at the lightweight fighters there today. [BKFC champion Luis] Palomino ‘The Baboon’ and HD [BKFC star Howard Davis], their stance is a wee bit fancy,” ‘Mystic Mac’ told the BKFC in an interview.

Conor McGregor’s comeback would send shockwaves through the combat sports world—no doubt about it. But the real question remains: When will he return? Only time will tell. What are your thoughts on the hubbub? State your opinion in the comments below.