Conor McGregor's new business move could get UFC boss Dana White reaction
Conor McGregor has become a co-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). and his new business partner believes UFC chief Dana White will be upset.
Conor McGregor's unexpected move into bare-knuckle boxing is sure to ruffle the feathers of UFC boss Dana White, revealed his new business partner, who said will be "a little upset."
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The veteran fighter recently became a co-owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), extending his ever-expanding business landscape while simultaneously preparing for his much-anticipated return to the octagon. Known as "The Notorious", McGregor hasn't stepped foot in the UFC ring since 2021 due to a severe tibia fracture during his defeat against Dustin Poirier. This technical knockout marked in his second consecutive loss against the American fighter, sadling him with an extended recovery period.
Now, arguably UFC's most recognisable figure is gearing up for his return to the sport that skyrocketed him to fame. He's set to square off against Michael Chandler this June while he also spends time managing his entrepreneurial interests beyond the gym.
The featherweight and lightweight champ has decided to put his chips on BKFC, announcing his involvement with the promotion earlier this month. Speaking on McGregor's new venture, BKFC president David Feldman expressed his excitement at the recent development: "It was funny. I was telling my wife, I was dying for Conor McGregor to call me."
"Now, the guy won't stop calling me. It's unbelievable, he is so excited about this thing," he revealed, as he waxed lyrical about the potential of the union between McGregor and the BKFC moving forward. "I really think it just completely takes us to the next level."
"You've got the guy who has the most viewed movie in Amazon history, right? I mean, it wasn't because of his acting - not that he was bad at acting, but it wasn't because of his acting, it was because it was Conor McGregor. It wasn't Jake Gyllenhaal that drove those views. It was Conor McGregor that drove those views."
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Given the Irishman's inalienable qualities as a star draw, the BKFC chief was left in no doubt that the MMA icon's newfound association with the promotion may lead to some jealous glances from within the combat sports community. Namechecking UFC CEO White, he contended: "Listen, Dana White has a juggernaut with UFC."
"I mean, Conor McGregor certainly moves the needle for him, but he’s very, very successful without him. Not that he’s fighting for us, but him promoting our product ... who knows? You’re probably a little mad. Your No. 1 star is gonna talk about a different company, so you’re probably not very happy about it. But, he’s not worried about us."
Feldman added: "He’s one of the most popular guys in the entire world. He’s one of the most popular and influential combat sports fighters of all time, or personalities of all time. I mean, you tell me. You get a guy like that, anything he touches turns to gold. I want that Midas touch for us, so we brought it over."
Following his recent business venture with BKFC, McGregor declared himself as the co-owner during a surprise speech at KnuckleMania 4. Speaking via video call, he announced: "'The Notorious Conor McGregor here. Ladies and gentlemen, the huge announcement that I have for you today."
"As part of the expansion of McGregor Sports and Entertainment, myself, Conor McGregor, is now a co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships," he proclaimed before lauding the promotion's president on his introduction into the major leagues: "Welcome to the big leagues. David Feldman, baby, we did it."
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