Conor McGregor must impress in final UFC fight before BKFC move, says Feldman

BKFC founder Feldman said Conor McGregor needs a good showing in his last UFC fight before a bare-knuckle debut, and that talks will not begin until after it.

Conor McGregor's move to bare-knuckle boxing depends on how well he performs in his final UFC fight, according to BKFC founder Feldman, who said negotiations with the Irishman have not yet started.

McGregor wants that last UFC appearance to come at International Fight Week in July 2027 and has already called out Max Holloway for a trilogy. He is then expected to fight under the BKFC banner. Feldman named Conor Benn among his ideal opponents, adding that a McGregor-Benn fight in the UK would be unbelievable.

McGregor's last outing went badly. Returning after five years away, he injured his knee in the opening exchange against Holloway at UFC 329 in July and lost after 69 seconds. He tore the ACL and damaged the meniscus in his right knee and is recovering from surgery and rehab.

Feldman said McGregor has to look good in his next UFC fight, warning that another outcome like the Holloway bout would leave few people excited. He added: “But if he comes out there and has a good fight, a very good fight, win or lose doesn't matter, everybody's going to be excited about Conor McGregor taking his gloves off.” Feldman, who said he knew McGregor had also had rehab on his other knee, was positive about his recovery: “His legs are almost in tip-top condition now. So I think he's in great shape to make that comeback.” He said talks would only begin once McGregor's UFC career is finished, so as not to damage the relationship with the UFC. He also said McGregor would not face anyone from the current BKFC roster, describing the fight as needing a huge name that would motivate McGregor and help the company raise the money to stage it.

As well as Benn, Feldman mentioned Floyd Mayweather, who beat McGregor in his professional boxing debut in 2017, saying a bare-knuckle rematch with clinching involved could have a different ending and that Mayweather would be up for it. His top pick was Ryan Garcia, though he acknowledged an obstacle: “If I could have anybody - this fight probably isn't going to happen as they're business partners - but Conor against Ryan Garcia would be a huge, huge fight in bare-knuckle.” Feldman spoke ahead of BKFC 96 at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday, headlined by Sean Weir's UK light heavyweight title fight against Leigh Cohoon. The card also features the return of former WWE star Gzim Selmani and the debut of Glasgow MMA veteran Stevie Ray.

READ NEXTConor Benn turned down Manny Pacquiao for December but says he 'can do Pacquiao' next yearRead the next story →

Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing

Add Combat Sports UK as a preferred source on Google