Conor McGregor Becomes Part-Owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships

On April 28, 2024, UFC star Conor McGregor became a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC) alongside his company McGregor Sports and Entertainment, while Triller remains the majority shareholder. McGregor made the announcement during the KnuckleMania 4 event in Los Angeles, stating that he and his company have acquired a stake in BKFC.

BKFC President David Feldman expressed his enthusiasm about McGregor's involvement, stating that it would considerably increase the organization's visibility and growth, potentially facilitating its entry into new international markets, including McGregor's native Ireland. "Conor McGregor, myself, and McGregor Sports and Entertainment are now part owners of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship," McGregor said in a social media video.

McGregor has been associated with BKFC in the past year, with his Proper Twelve and Forged Irish Stout brands serving as sponsors. The details of McGregor's ownership stake in BKFC are expected to be revealed in the coming days and months as he prepares for his highly anticipated return to the UFC later this summer against Michael Chandler.

Why this matters: McGregor's involvement in BKFC is expected to significantly boost the promotion's brand and expand its reach, potentially leading to events in new markets such as Ireland. The move also aligns with BKFC's recent efforts to broaden its presence in the combat sports industry.

Aside from this business venture, McGregor is scheduled to return to the UFC Octagon for the first time in nearly three years, taking on Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 on June 29. A win in that fight could put McGregor in contention for titles in multiple weight classes, but a loss could potentially signal the end of his career as a top-level MMA fighter. Regardless, McGregor expressed a desire to compete in a bare-knuckle fight at some point, signaling a deep commitment to his new role within BKFC.

Key Takeaways

• Conor McGregor becomes part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships (BKFC).
• McGregor's involvement expected to boost BKFC's brand and expand its reach, including into Ireland.
• McGregor to return to UFC in June 2024 to fight Michael Chandler, with title contention at stake.
• McGregor expresses desire to compete in a bare-knuckle fight, signaling commitment to BKFC.
• BKFC remains majority-owned by Triller, with McGregor and his company as new part-owners.