Whether you love him or hate him, it’s hard to argue against the impact Conor McGregor has made in the combat sports world and beyond. Holding the distinction of being one of the biggest PPV draws in MMA history, McGregor has also expanded his empire with his ‘Proper No. 12’ whiskey and forays into Hollywood with a significant role in ‘Road House’.

In April 2024, it was revealed that McGregor had become a part-owner of the BKFC or Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. The association of a massive name like ‘The Notorious’ has led to more spotlight on the sport that features brutal knockouts and all-out brawls with no gloves or grappling involved. As such, Pat McAfee has come out to highlight the fact that Conor McGregor’s name being linked to the promotion may lead to a significant rise in popularity for the BKFC!

Pat McAfee claims BKFC is on an upward trajectory with Conor McGregor’s ‘golden touch’ 

One of the most notable names that have shined in BKFC is former UFC star Mike Perry, who is currently undefeated in the promotion and has beaten names like Luke Rockhold, Eddie Alvarez, and Michael ‘Venom’ Page. This is where the discussion on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ began with AJ Hawk asking the host, “You ever watch Mike Perry fight? He’s a savage.”

McAfee then stated, “So bareknuckle, we’ve known about bareknuckle because Chris Lytle who is a local Indianapolis fighting legend, literally toughest human maybe of all time… He’s been commentating this for like a few years, we learned about a few years… now its becoming a little more mainstream, Conor McGregor I believe just bought into it…”

The Irishman had announced his part-ownership of BKFC during the Knucklemania 4 card in Los Angeles and stated in a social media video that his company, ‘McGregor Sports and Entertainment’ had signed a deal with BKFC president David Feldman. According to Feldman during the Knucklemania 4 broadcast, “I think it’s just going to move the needle tremendously. We’re going to do a lot of big things. We’re going to open up a lot of new markets.”

The BKFC president’s sentiments were echoed by McAfee on his show as he further confessed, “It’s starting to go… It’s like really starting to go so, I mean, why not, I guess at this point right”. The show’s crew also discussed how BKFC’s unique format and circular ring contribute to its appeal to combat sports fans.

With no takedowns and a smaller fighting area, the fights are intense and often end in knockouts drawing in more viewers who are looking for a straight-forward high stakes clash between two warriors. But while the BKFC may be on the rise, MMA fans have been wondering if they’ll get to see Conor McGregor inside the UFC Octagon any time this year!

UFC boss claims no plans for McGregor’s return at the moment

UFC CEO Dana White recently dashed the dreams of the fans who were hoping for news of ‘The Notorious’s long-awaited return to competition. With the shock of the UFC 303 Michael Chandler fight cancellation due to the Irishman’s injury, the MMA sphere has been running wild with speculation about the possibility of it being re-scheduled later in 2024.

However, the UFC boss recently shared during an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, “It’s an awesome fight. It’s a fun fight, and as I’m sitting here, right here, right now, no I don’t have a date for it or a plan or anything like that and obviously, me, the fans and ESPN would love for it to happen in ‘24, but we’ll see what happens.”

It remains to be seen if we’ll get to see the Irishman’s famed left hand in action against ‘Iron Mike’ anytime soon but the influence of McGregor on the combat sports world remains as strong as ever. With his association with the BKFC having the potential to aid its rise, Conor McGregor’s touch may be just the thing needed to take it to the next level. 

Do you think BKFC will gain more mainstream popularity with ‘The Notorious’s name attached to it? And will the Irishman fight in the UFC this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!