McGregor rumored to join BKFC after UFC deal

Will McGregor debut in the BKFC after his UFC stint? (Getty Images)

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Conor McGregor might not be done in the world of mixed martial arts.

On Aug. 18, 2026, several teasers circulated on social media claiming that the Ultimate Fighting Championship legend is set to move to the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship once his contract with the MMA promotion ends in 2027.

McGregor and his camp have yet to confirm the rumor, but BKFC chairman Dave Feldman made some bold statements about the Irish star’s possible debut next year.

“Obviously, it depends on what happens with this next fight,” Feldman said.

“If he can come out injury-free, you know, I would bet the house that you’ll see Conor McGregor in BKFC.”

According to McGregor, he still has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, with the last dance set for 2027.

However, the specific timetable for his return depends on his rehabilitation following a disappointing comeback loss to Max Holloway.

In the most anticlimactic way to end a long hiatus, McGregor blew out his right knee in the first 15 seconds of the fight, resulting in Holloway’s TKO win via stoppage.

McGregor’s comeback bout was cut short after he threw an awkward jumping switch kick and immediately limped upon landing.

Holloway looked directly at referee Mike Beltran in confusion after McGregor signaled that he could no longer continue, but Beltran let the fight go on, allowing Holloway to throw a couple of nasty overhand punches before the bout was stopped.

“It was ACL and meniscus,” McGregor posted.

“It is the same injury as the first Holloway fight, only this time the opposite leg. Quite shocking. On we go, no sad stories. Thank you for the support and well wishes, everyone. Your health is your wealth.”

A month after the injury, McGregor has been active on social media, posting his recovery workouts and rehabilitation sessions.

If McGregor transitions to BKFC, he will follow in the footsteps of former UFC stars Mike Perry, Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, Chad Mendes, John Dodson, Frankie Edgar, Andrei Arlovski, Yoel Romero, and Darren Till.

“He’s really looking forward to coming back and getting that last fight under his belt,” Feldman told SunSport.

“So that way it clears him up for the ability to fight in the BKFC. And I really do think you see that happening.”