More than a year ago, Conor McGregor ventured into fight promotion, but he asserts he hasn`t given up on competing himself just yet.
Last April, the former two-division UFC champion surprised combat sports fans by investing in bare-knuckle boxing.
Through his company, McGregor Sports and Entertainment, the Irishman acquired significant shares in the rapidly growing Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
His decision to buy into BKFC and take on a promoter`s role astonished many fans, prompting questions about whether this signaled the end of his own fighting career.
However, he felt compelled to get involved with BKFC after being captivated by the intense action the promotion showcases.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, McGregor stated, “This is a significant force in this industry.”
“Bareknuckle Fighting Championship is a very, very big player in this industry. And it`s expanding rapidly.”
“It possesses an incredibly strong and stable foundation. With a solid roster of fighters and the dedicated team that has built and grown it, this is a serious contender in the combat sports world.”
McGregor believes BKFC`s surge in popularity has been helped by the apparent stagnation in several other combat sports promotions, including the UFC.
“During this period,” he commented, “I wouldn`t call it stale, but certain aspects have reached a plateau. Certain other players have plateaued. And all of a sudden, bare knuckle arises.”
“It`s a wild card, with massive events happening globally. And I`m actively involved. The timing was perfect.”
McGregor, 36, has become fascinated by the raw nature and intensity of BKFC, which is quickly becoming a globally recognized promotion.
He also expressed an interest in potentially competing in the sport himself one day, saying, “I`m not just here as an owner, player-manager, I`ll label myself on this one.”
McGregor hasn`t fought in any combat sport since suffering a broken left leg in his third fight against Dustin Poirier almost four years ago.
The first fighter to simultaneously hold two UFC world titles was scheduled to return last June against Michael Chandler, but a broken left pinky toe forced his withdrawal from the planned Las Vegas bout.
In March, the Dublin native notably hinted that his fighting career might be concluding, stating he was content with his achievements.
However, he has since reversed this stance, now focusing on his long-anticipated fight with Chandler, especially after Chandler`s recent defeat.
On social media platform X, he posted: “My return will only be in a stadium. IRON MIKE CHANDLER, unfinished business.”
If McGregor does return to fighting, his next contest will be his first since being found civilly liable for an assault at a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
The former double champion appealed the Dublin High Court`s verdict last month.
He is hoping that the introduction of new evidence will lead to the civil trial`s outcome being overturned.
