McGregor signals bare-knuckle move after UFC farewell fight

Conor McGregor, 38, once the biggest draw in UFC history, has made clear his plans to move into bare-knuckle boxing after completing his final UFC obligation. But repeated serious injuries — including another setback in his long-awaited comeback fight — have significantly dimmed expectations from his peak years.

MMA Fighting and MMA Junkie reported Friday (Korean Standard Time) that McGregor, speaking at a recent event in Italy, announced his intention to pursue bare-knuckle boxing once his UFC contract is fulfilled.

"I really love bare-knuckle fighting. I don't think there's any chance of a boring fight," McGregor said. "A great UFC fight is amazing, but bare-knuckle is very exciting and dangerous. I think it takes a lot more courage."

Asked about the likelihood of competing in bare-knuckle, he said the chances were high. McGregor also revealed that rather than retiring after his final UFC bout, he plans to announce his move into bare-knuckle boxing.

McGregor has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, meaning his next bout will serve as his farewell to the promotion. A date and opponent have yet to be confirmed.

He acquired a stake in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) in 2024, becoming a co-owner. His interest in bare-knuckle goes well beyond curiosity — he is already deeply tied to the sport as a business partner.

Enthusiasm for McGregor's new venture, however, has been tempered by a string of injuries and declining performances. In his UFC comeback fight against Max Holloway of the United States on July 12 (Korean Standard Time) — his first bout in five years — McGregor suffered a knee injury and was stopped by TKO in just 1 minute and 9 seconds.

He had already undergone surgery after breaking his leg in a 2021 fight against Dustin Poirier, and he has since returned to the operating table. McGregor has lost three consecutive fights since defeating Donald Cerrone in January 2020, with two of those losses ending due to serious injury. He is currently targeting a return in the summer of 2027, but must first prove he can compete at a functional level.

Bare-knuckle competition, which involves striking without gloves, places far greater stress on the hands and face than conventional combat sports. For McGregor, whose career has been repeatedly derailed by injury, the format poses an even steeper physical challenge.

BKFC founder David Feldman said he was open to the prospect of McGregor competing in bare-knuckle, but stressed that how McGregor performs in his UFC farewell fight would be the key factor.