CONOR MCGREGOR ventured into the world of fight promotion just over a year ago.
The former two-division UFC champion stunned combat sports fans last April by dipping his toes into the world of bareknuckle boxing.
The Irishman, through his McGregor Sports and Entertainment company, acquired significant shares in the fast-rising and brutal Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
His acquisition of shares in BKFC and subsequent undertaking of a promoter’s role stunned his legion of fans, many of whom were wondering if the move marked the end of his fighting days.
But he couldn’t help jumping on board the BKFC ship after being blown away by the beautiful violence the promotion had displayed.
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, The Notorious said: “This is a major player in this industry.
“Bareknuckle Fighting Championship is a major, major player in this industry. And it’s growing fast.
“And it’s got an unbelievable foundation, it’s a rock-solid [foundation].
“With the stable of fighters and a stable team, the team around it that’s grown it and built it, this is a serious player in the game.”;
McGregor believes BKFC’s rise in popularity has been helped by the stagnation of several combat sports promotions, including the UFC.
“In that time, you know, I won’t say stale,”; he said. “But certain things have hit almost a plateau.
“Certain other players have hit a plateau. And all of a sudden, bare knuckle arises.
“And you’ve got a wild card, there’s huge shows and events all across the world.
“And I’m right there with it. The timing was impeccable.”;
, 36, has become enamoured by the bloodiness and brutality of BKFC, which is fast becoming a globally accepted promotion.
And he’s eager to one day test himself in the sport, saying: “I’m not up here just as an owner, player-manager, I’ll title myself on this one.”;
McGregor hasn’t fought in any combat sport nearly four years ago.
The UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight world champion was set to make his grand cage comeback last June against but was.
The Dubliner sensationally hinted that his fighting days might be over in March when he admitted he’s content with his achievements.
But he’s since performed a U-turn, setting his sights on a long-overdue showdown with Chandler in the wake of his rival’s crushing defeat to last month.
He wrote on X: “I’ll only come back to a stadium. IRON MIKE CHANDLER, unfinished business.”;
