MMA News

Tag: Conor McGregor

  • Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira Joined Conor McGregor And Jon Jones In Exclusive Club At UFC 313

    Alex Pereira recently entered an elite UFC club, becoming only the third fighter in history to achieve this rare milestone.

    Pereira’s lightning-fast ascent in the UFC has been remarkable, establishing him as one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. In just seven fights over a span of two years, “Poatan” defied the odds, securing championship gold in two different weight divisions.

    Within the last year, Pereira dominated the UFC light heavyweight division, defending his title three times — all via knockouts. His résumé boasts finishes over former champions like Israel Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, and Jiří Procházka (twice), to name a few.

    Pereira put his 205-pound title on the line for the fourth time this past weekend, facing Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313. However, the outcome didn’t go his way, as he suffered a debated unanimous decision loss.

    Ahead of the opening bell, Alex Pereira received some notable recognition, joining a prestigious group that includes only Conor McGregor and Jon Jones.

    The legendary voice of the Octagon, Bruce Buffer, acknowledged Pereira’s status by introducing him as “The One, The Only” — a distinguished title reserved for the sport’s most iconic figures.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQ-w2cB2Zbw

    Buffer first bestowed this accolade upon “The Notorious” when he made his much-anticipated return to the Octagon at UFC 246 in January 2020 against Donald Cerrone. McGregor delivered a knockout victory in just 40 seconds.

    At UFC 285 in March 2023, Buffer honored “Bones” with the same iconic introduction as he made his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane. Jones secured a first-round submission victory to claim the title.

  • Jean Silva Compared To ‘Conor McGregor In His Prime’ Ahead Of Bryce Mitchell Showdown

    Jean Silva Compared To ‘Conor McGregor In His Prime’ Ahead Of Bryce Mitchell Showdown

    Kenny Florian sees a potential future champion emerging in the UFC’s featherweight division: Jean Silva. He also sees “Lord” in the same light as Conor McGregor when he was in his prime.

    With four consecutive finishes inside the Octagon, Silva is rapidly building a formidable reputation. His recent first-round knockout of Melsik Baghdasaryan at UFC Seattle was a spectacular display of power, earning him significant praise from fight fans and fighters alike.

    Silva is set to face a significant test at UFC 314, where he’ll take on No. 13-ranked contender Bryce Mitchell, a considerable step up in competition. Florian, having experienced the challenges of both the featherweight and lightweight classes himself, and having fought for titles against legends like Jose Aldo and BJ Penn, recognizes the special talent Silva possesses.

    Florian’s high regard for Silva was evident during the Anik & Florian Podcast, during which he spoke glowingly of the Brazilian’s potential and even likened him to McGregor, the sport’s first simultaneous two-division champ.

    “This guy (Silva) is special. His ability to land shots at the right time. It reminds me of Conor McGregor in his prime,” Florian said. “How he can find your chin and the artistry that he shows in getting there, he’s not just winging punches with his eyes looking down at the canvas. He knows exactly what he’s doing and it’s just beautiful to watch.

    “He may very well be a champion in this sport in the near future,” Florian added.

    UFC 314 is scheduled to take place on April 12 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.

  • Michael Chandler Maintains Conor McGregor’s ‘Road Back To The UFC’ Goes Through Him

    Michael Chandler Maintains Conor McGregor’s ‘Road Back To The UFC’ Goes Through Him

    Michael Chandler’s stance on a potential fight with Conor McGregor has shifted. While he hasn’t completely abandoned hope, his confidence in McGregor’s return to the octagon has diminished.

    After years of anticipation and a canceled bout at UFC 303 due to McGregor’s injury, Chandler’s patience has worn thin. Now, he’s focused on his upcoming fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, marking a shift in priorities.

    Despite his doubts, Chandler still believes that if McGregor does return, their fight should be the first on his list.

    “Conor is always a part of it, man,” Chandler said on The Ariel Helwani Show. “His road back to the UFC goes through me. It goes straight through Nashville, Tennessee, and Michael Chandler. We’ve got to finish ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31.’ That is the UFC’s sentiment. I think it’s even his sentiment. He said, ‘I’m a man of my word.’

    “Well, if you’re a man of your word, then there’s only one guy that you’re going to fight when you come back to the UFC — the guy who had a contract with your name on it. The guy who signed on the dotted line and still to this day never missed weight and never pulled out of a fight.”

    While Chandler still hopes McGregor returns, he admits that, realistically, he wouldn’t put money on it happening.

    “Heart of hearts is tough, man, because I think heart of hearts says Conor is coming back at some point. But if I’m a betting man, if I’m using my brain, I wouldn’t put money on it,” Chandler said. “But that’s where I’m at today, right now. I’m focused on a blonde dude from Liverpool.”

    Chandler believes McGregor owes much of his success to the UFC and that walking away now would leave a gap in his legacy.

    “Conor’s got to come back to his first love, the one thing that has given him every single shiny object he’s currently chasing,” Chandler continued. “Every single thing that he has can be tied back some way or the other to the UFC and the opportunity they gave him.”

    Chandler also questioned whether McGregor would be satisfied with how his career ended if he never returned.

    “Does he want his legacy to be, ‘My last fight I broke my leg, I touted the greatest comeback in combat sports history, I fooled everybody for a couple of years, and then signed on the dotted line to fight Michael Chandler, then pulled out of the fight never to return again?’ I don’t think he wants his legacy to be that.

    “Then again, I haven’t walked a mile in that man’s shoes, so I’m not going to say what he is thinking. But my heart of hearts says he’s coming back at some point. But if I was a betting man, I ain’t putting money on it.”

  • Chael Sonnen Exposes ‘Top Draw’ Conor McGregor’s 11 Failed Callouts Amid Rumored $250 Million Logan Paul Fight

    Chael Sonnen Exposes ‘Top Draw’ Conor McGregor’s 11 Failed Callouts Amid Rumored $250 Million Logan Paul Fight

    MMA star and now analyst Chael Sonnen is highly skeptical of the boxing exhibition between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul ever taking place. This is after he’s seen the former UFC double champ call out several big names in the combat sports world without ever stepping inside the ring with them.

    “The Notorious” is arguably the most popular MMA star ever and he’s made several claims about his Octagon return since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. But after he pulled out from a highly-anticipated fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, fans started doubting whether he would ever fight again.

    However, the 36-year-old caught everyone off guard with an announcement that he was in talks with Mukesh Ambani, a billionaire, for a boxing match in India against the Youtuber turned WWE Superstar Logan Paul. The news unsurprisingly gained a lot of steam on the internet thanks to reports claiming the Irishman would bag a staggering paycheck of $250 million for his participation. 

    Soon, UFC CEO Dana White, a key player in the business, turned down McGregor’s claims and vouched for his return to the Octagon by the fall of 2025. 

    Now, Sonnen has joined White as well because he believes that the McGregor’s recent call outs do not mean much. In fact, there’ve been over 10 fighters that have been called out by the Dubliner in the past few years and none of these fights were ever close to being finalized.

    “Meanwhile, getting reports, Conor McGregor is going to box Logan Paul, which is just silly. And Conor McGregor, a great performer and magician, has now called out 11 people in a row, and none of which he fought. I couldn’t even list them all. When he started bringing in Pacquiao, the Crawford, that redheaded kid, and all the MMA guys and the bare-knuckled guys—it’s 11. He’s at 11. Eleven—the top draw who never calls for things that he doesn’t have the power to have—gets turned down publicly 11 times, which is about nine more times than anyone in their entire career.”

    McGregor hasn’t fought anyone in the Octagon since 2021 and the last time he stepped in the boxing ring was in 2017 in one of the highest-grossing PPV events of all time against undefeated boxing great Floyd Mayweather. 

    However, Mayweather vs. McGregor was officially co-promoted by White and since McGregor is still signed to UFC, his return to boxing does not seem likely without the UFC CEO’s approval. 

  • Conor McGregor Reportedly Appeals Civil Sexual Assault Verdict

    Conor McGregor Reportedly Appeals Civil Sexual Assault Verdict

    Conor McGregor seems to have made initial moves toward resolving his ongoing legal troubles.

    Last November, a jury ruled in favor of Nikita Hand, who had alleged that the former UFC two-division champion sexually assaulted her in December 2018. The Dublin High Court found “The Notorious” responsible for the assault, ordering him to pay €248,000 (roughly $257,000) in damages to the plaintiff.

    Following the court’s ruling, McGregor has consistently denied the allegations, publicly speaking out against Hand and vowing to challenge the decision in a series of social media posts.

    According to a recent BBC report, “The Notorious” has formally lodged an appeal with the Irish courts to overturn the jury’s verdict. Filed last Friday, McGregor’s appeal challenges both the damages and the additional costs he was ordered to cover, which include Hand’s expenses for pursuing the civil case against him.

    The MMA superstar faced significant financial fallout from the lawsuit, leading to his disassociation from the prominent whiskey brand Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. Alongside this, McGregor experienced a series of other major business setbacks.

    McGregor is also facing another civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexually assaulting an anonymous woman during the Heat vs. Celtics NBA Finals game in June 2023.

    Filed last month in the Southern District of Florida, the lawsuit also names Basketball Properties LLC, the arena’s operator, as a co-defendant. The plaintiff is reportedly seeking damages exceeding $75,000, in addition to other forms of compensation.

    The legal action charges McGregor with battery and accuses the Kaseya Center of gross negligence, alleging that its staff and security failed to maintain a safe environment by permitting McGregor’s excessive drinking.

  • Conor McGregor Hints At BKFC’s Biggest Signing Yet: ‘Stay Tuned…’

    Conor McGregor Hints At BKFC’s Biggest Signing Yet: ‘Stay Tuned…’

    Conor McGregor is teasing what could be BKFC’s most monumental signing yet — MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko.

    Since becoming a part owner of BKFC in April last year, “The Notorious” has injected fresh energy into the promotion, reigniting its buzz and mainstream appeal. McGregor has also vowed to elevate the sport to new heights by bringing in marquee talent.

    During a press conference on Sunday to promote BKFC Florence, set for April 26, McGregor dropped a tantalizing hint that Emelianenko could soon join the promotion as part of their ongoing push to elevate the sport.

    The Irishman’s attention piqued when a reporter lauded his achievements, drawing comparisons to legends like Emelianenko and Royce Gracie.

    “Fedor Emelianenko?” McGregor said. “Stay tuned, we might have some announcement with Fedor Emelianenko. Hey Fedor, we’re waiting. Some news might be coming with Fedor Emelianenko. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is signing and acquiring the best fighters of all time, past, present and future, and everyone wants to be a part of this.”

    “The Last Emperor,” hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in MMA history, was last seen competing at Bellator 290 in February 2023. His final outing concluded in disappointment as he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Ryan Bader in their rematch.

    Since hanging up his gloves, Emelianenko has offered few hints of a comeback to active competion. The 48-year-old Russian boasts a storied MMA record of 40-7, featuring victories over legends like Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and Andrei Arlovski, among others.

  • Usman Nurmagomedov: Conor McGregor’s Kids Have To Live With The Fact Khabib ‘Kicked His Ass’

    Usman Nurmagomedov: Conor McGregor’s Kids Have To Live With The Fact Khabib ‘Kicked His Ass’

    Usman Nurmagomedov isn’t fazed by UFC star Conor McGregor’s continued focus on his cousin and family as a whole.

    McGregor has bashed Khabib Nurmagomedov and the region of Dagestan online and in interviews ever since his heated feud with “The Eagle” reached the cage in 2018.

    While the Irishman was viciously submitted by the then-UFC lightweight champion, that hasn’t stopped him from repeatedly continuing the kind of controversial trash talk he dished out in the lead-up to UFC 229.

    Most recently, McGregor’s disdain for the Nurmagomedovs was on full display when he lambasted Paul Hughes for his positive interactions with Khabib and co. after taking Usman to the limit in their title fight at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Usman reflected on McGregor’s reaction to the niceties, explaining what he perceives to be the reason for the Dubliner’s ongoing hatred for all things Nurmagomedov.

    “Maybe because Khabib kicked his ass,” Nurmagomedov said. “He wants a rematch but he has to live with this all his life and his kids have to live with this all his life. When his kids will grow up, when his kids are 18 (years old), people will say, ‘Hey, your father tried to do some crazy stuff but some guy from Dagestan came to America and kicked your father’s ass.’ That’s it. That’s why he cannot sleep even.

    “He has to live with this and pass with this. All his family, all his legacy, all this, is around this. He lost to Khabib when (he) had to win. But it (did not) happen. Khabib smashed his face, his team and all for what he was working (for),” Nurmagomedov continued. “When Khabib beat him, he (did not) come back to fighting, even for life I think. He’s going to drink. He’s going to beat some women. He’s stupid.”

    McGregor hasn’t been active as a fighter in recent years. He’s remained in the headlines by way of controversy after controversy, with the most notable coming late last year when he was found liable for the assault of a woman who accused him of rape in Ireland.

  • Dana White Shares What Gets People UFC Contracts, & It’s Not ‘A Personality Like Conor & Ronda…’

    Dana White Shares What Gets People UFC Contracts, & It’s Not ‘A Personality Like Conor & Ronda…’

    UFC is the biggest MMA promotion in the world, by far. Because most competitor promotions have turned into dust, it’s almost every MMA fighter’s dream to be a part of the esteemed UFC roaster. Unfortunately, not everyone succeeds in securing such an opportunity, given the promotion only picks the most elite fighters from around the world.

    Dana White, the businessman credited for the UFC’s rise, has no biases. He believes that having the desired fighting skills is the only basis on which a fighter can expect to be part of his promotion.

    In a recent interview with Mark Bouris leading up to UFC 312 in Australia, the UFC CEO was asked:

    “When you go out to put people into the UFC, you got your contender’s series. Are you looking for individuals who are happy to express themselves like as part or just the skill?”

    White had a straightforward answer.

    “Skills. You can be a deaf-mute, if you’re a bad*** I’m that’s what I’m interested in. I’m interested in how good are you at fighting. If you have a personality like Conor and Ronda and these others, that’s just, you know that’s just a homerun, it doesn’t suck.”

    Although White is aware that the UFC is a star-driven business, he still believes that a diverse skillset and potent fighting style make the foundation of a fighter he’d want fighting under his banner.

    By keeping skill as an entry barrier, the UFC ensures that the champions in every weight class are always reaching that pinnacle after fighting the best competition available in the world. In contrast, other promotions like PFL and ONE Championship are yet to make such an image among the fans.

    The UFC also keeps the competition healthy by constantly signing new names in all their divisions. From picking up the local superstars from regional circuits to poaching established names from the PFL, One Championship, and RIZIN, there are many ways to go about this.

    On top of that, of course, the UFC has dedicated shows like Dana White’s Contender Series, Road to UFC, and The Ultimate Fighter, that revolve around handing out contracts to up-and-coming fighters.

  • Throwback: Dricus Du Plessis Claims Conor McGregor Who Fought Alvarez Would’ve Beaten Khabib Nurmagomedov

    Throwback: Dricus Du Plessis Claims Conor McGregor Who Fought Alvarez Would’ve Beaten Khabib Nurmagomedov

    In one of his most popular interviews ever, Dricus Du Plessis claimed that the version of Conor McGregor who displayed a perfect clinical performance against the then-lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez, would’ve defeated Khabib Nurmagomedov.

    The reigning UFC middleweight champion is a huge “Notorious” fan. Du Plessis has also frequently expressed his desire to move up a weight class to be a double champ, a feat first achieved by “The Mystic Mac” in the UFC.

    Despite the gradually heating rivalry with Alex Pereira, “Stillknocks” believes in making at least three title defenses against rising contenders like Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov in the middlweight division. On the other hand, McGregor moved up to lightweight without ever defending his featherweight belt, a trend which fans call out quickly now a days.

    In an interview with Shadow Banned back in April 2024 , Du Plessis had said:

    “He deserved to go up there because he absolutely made That look easy against Alvarez. One of the best performances at the highest level, I’ve seen in my whole life.”

    He had further added:

    “His fight against Alvarez. I mean, I was already a professional long time then and I mean everybody, you look at that fight it was Flawless. He didn’t do anything wrong. He fought one of the greatest fighters in the world and he made him look like an amateur. Conor McGregor, as a favorite fighter, I said Gilbert Burns one of my favourite fighters, and so is Conor.”

    When asked whether the 2016 version of McGregor who fought Alvarez woould’ve given Nurmagomedov more problems, the 31-year-old replied:

    “I think he beats Khabib.”

    It is safe to assume that Du Plessis still holds high regard for everything McGregor has achieved inside the Octagon. In his recent interviews with Mark Bouris, he yet again praised the former UFC double champ for introducing mental warfare to fighting and elevating the overall pay scale of mixed martial arts athletes worldwide.

    As of now, the South African is all set for his upcoming rematch against Sean Strickland this Saturday night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

  • VIDEO: UFC’s Conor McGregor Spits In Face Of Fan Who Remarked ‘Let’s Go Khabib’

    VIDEO: UFC’s Conor McGregor Spits In Face Of Fan Who Remarked ‘Let’s Go Khabib’

    It seems that not a day goes past without a new controversy surrounding former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor.

    Following years of questionable antics and run-ins with the law, the Irishman was back in the headlines for all the wrong reasons last year after he was found liable for assault in a civil court case stemming from a rape accusation.

    More recently, McGregor’s latest tirade against longtime rival and ex-opponent Khabib Nurmagomedov drew backlash due to his use of racial slurs. The social media post marked one of many verbal attacks on the Dagestani, who submitted him to retain the lightweight title at UFC 229 in 2018.

    While it’s long been clear that McGregor isn’t over his feud with Khabib and his team, if anyone doubted that, footage showing what happens at the mere mention of “The Eagle’s” name in his presence should prove as much.

    A video emerged this week showing an individual shouting, “Let’s go Khabib,” at McGregor, who was attending some sort of function. The Dubliner can be seen turning around and approaching the man, before shockingly spitting in his face.

    “I spit in your face, what’d you do? Nothing,” the UFC star says to the individual in the clip, which was originally posted to TikTok by @jgomez9.

    Neither McGregor nor his representatives have commented on the footage as of writing.

  • Paul Hughes Shrugs Off Conor McGregor’s Social Media Tirade: ‘I Wasn’t Offended At All’

    Paul Hughes Shrugs Off Conor McGregor’s Social Media Tirade: ‘I Wasn’t Offended At All’

    Paul Hughes isn’t sparing a second thought on Conor McGregor’s social media outbursts directed at him.

    Hughes is fresh off a hard-fought five-round war at PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai, where he dropped a majority decision to lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov this past Saturday — a performance that initially even had McGregor singing his praises.

    However, all hell broke loose after a video of “Big News” sharing an in-cage moment with Khabib Nurmagomedov in the aftermath of his fight went viral on social media, where he attempted to distance himself from McGregor. The clip ultimately caught the attention of “The Notorious” himself.

    McGregor lashed out at Hughes, firing off a series of now-deleted tweets that mocked his fellow Irishman and targeted his Northern Irish roots. In reply, the 27-year-old first extended a measure of respect to McGregor, all the while probing the former UFC two-division champion’s mental clarity.

    During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hughes broke down McGregor’s social media outburst, calmly stating that he wasn’t the slightest bit offended by the UFC superstar’s public tirade.

    “Big News” explained that he understands McGregor’s tendency to let his emotions run wild online, brushing off the insults with an air of indifference.

    “I wasn’t offended at all,” Hughes said. “A lot of people in Ireland, especially in Northern Ireland, could be deeply affected by the things he said, but I’m not actually offended or didn’t take it personally at all because it sounds bad, but it just seems like another day in his life—just tweeting madness. It’s not like I saw that and went, ‘Oh, you know what, I can’t believe he said this about me.’ I think it’s just another day in his life for him, and I just don’t have any opinion on it anymore… In fact, I just laughed at it when I saw it. It’s not something that I’ve been thinking about all day.”

    Hughes, who had originally extended an invitation to “The Notorious” to be in his corner for the Nurmagomedov fight, went on to express that while he has always respected what McGregor has done for the sport, the 36-year-old Irishman’s words no longer resonate with him.

    “I’ve always shown respect to Conor at every opportunity. I’ve consistently called him the greatest to ever do it, and I’ll always believe that. But honestly, it just didn’t bother me coming from him because his words don’t carry the same weight anymore.”

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Supportive Message To Paul Hughes After Conor McGregor’s Attack: ‘You Are A Real Irishman!’

    Khabib Nurmagomedov Sends Supportive Message To Paul Hughes After Conor McGregor’s Attack: ‘You Are A Real Irishman!’

    Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has unsurprisingly taken aim at longtime rival Conor McGregor and backed Paul Hughes in the Irishman’s sudden back and forth with “The Notorious.”

    The relationship between Hughes and McGregor has taken a firm downward turn this week after footage emerged of “Big News” discussing Ireland’s most prominent fighter while in conversation with Khabib.

    Hughes spoke to “The Eagle” inside the cage at the PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai event last weekend, where the former Cage Warriors standout pushed Khabib’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, all the way in their Bellator lightweight title fight.

    While much of the lead-up had been heated with a “Dagestan vs. Ireland” narrative, Usman showed respect to Hughes after taking the decision win. And the defeated challenger was keen to express to the opposition team that he’s far from the same as another Irish fighter whose controversial nature Khabib got to know very well a few years ago.

    Footage of Hughes making that point to the former UFC champ quickly went viral and found its way to McGregor, who has since been slamming “Big News” in a series of tweets, one of which saw him question Hughes’ Irish heritage.

    Though Hughes has been garnering support with his own firm responses to McGregor, he also received some backing from “The Eagle,” who branded his rival a “rapist and drug addict” in a post on his Instagram Stories.

    “You are a real Irishman @paulhughesmma and not a rapist and drug addict like this bastard,” Nurmagomedov wrote.

    McGregor was recently embroiled in a civil court case after being accused of rape by Nikita Hand. He was found civilly liable for the assault late last year and forced to pay the victim almost €250,000.

    The Irishman’s troubles appear far from ending, too, after he was sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted her during the Heat vs. Celtics NBA game in June 2023.

  • VIDEO: Paul Hughes Distances Himself From Conor McGregor During In-Cage Conversation With Khabib

    VIDEO: Paul Hughes Distances Himself From Conor McGregor During In-Cage Conversation With Khabib

    It doesn’t look like the PFL will be drawing a link between Paul Hughes and Conor McGregor going forward. In the build-up to Hughes’ title fight against Usman Nurmagomedov this past weekend, the promotion used the prior history between Dagestan and Ireland to promote the fight.

    With the Bellator lightweight champion being cornered by his cousin, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Hughes had even mentioned having McGregor with him at one stage but any plans for this to happen quickly fell apart for multiple reasons, including the former UFC star’s civil assault case and his commitments with BKFC.

    Following an incredible fight at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, video footage shows Hughes sharing a quick word with Khabib where there is a clear mutual respect between them. The challenger can be seen referencing “The Notorious” and how they are not the same person in a short clip from Will Harris’ “Anatomy Of A Fighter”.

    “I’m not like this other guy, I’m my own man. I’m not like this other guy.”

    Once the clip was posted on social media, it quickly caught the attention of McGregor who has exchanged compliments with Hughes on multiple occasions. That being said, the public opinion surrounding “The Mac” has changed a lot in recent times and his previous actions shouldn’t influence the way that “Big News” is perceived.

    McGregor hit back at Hughes in a series of now deleted posts which took a swipe at the Irish pride of the 27-year old rising star.

    Hughes posted a short response to some of the comments made by McGregor in reaction to the video footage. He makes it clear that he has always given his fellow Irishman respect for what he has achieved in the sport.

  • UFC Veteran On Conor McGregor Potentially Fighting In BKFC: ‘That’s A No-Brainer’

    UFC Veteran On Conor McGregor Potentially Fighting In BKFC: ‘That’s A No-Brainer’

    Conor McGregor has continued to tease his return to combat sports in recent years, with speculation surrounding potential matchups in various disciplines.

    Along with rumors of a boxing bout against Logan Paul, McGregor has also been linked to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), where he became a part-owner last year and has made appearances at multiple events.

    At this past weekend’s BKFC KnuckleMania 5, McGregor intensified the buzz by facing off with Jeremy Stephens after the American’s victory over Eddie Alvarez. During the event, McGregor reiterated his interest in competing in bare-knuckle boxing, saying he wants to “take off the gloves and throw down.”

    Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown, speaking on the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, weighed in on the possibility of McGregor stepping into the BKFC ring.

    “I would love to see him do it,” Brown said. “I think it would be amazing. Even though it’s probably not going to happen, I would love to see it. Him and Jeremy Stephens, I think there would be a lot of great hype for that, and I think it would be a good fight, too. I think it would be a really interesting fight, especially in a bare-knuckle style.”

    While the prospect of McGregor fighting in BKFC is intriguing, it seems unlikely that the UFC would allow one of its biggest stars to compete in another promotion. Nonetheless, Brown believes that bare-knuckle boxing is the most exciting opportunity currently available to the former two-division champion.

    “I think that’s a no-brainer. That’s by far the most exciting Conor McGregor fight out there right now,” Brown argued. “Does that happen? I guess it’s a little bit unlikely, but maybe the UFC gets behind it. He did the boxing match with Floyd Mayweather—maybe [the UFC] gets behind this, too. I think Conor would love to do it, primarily for the reason you don’t have to get in the same shape, right? You’ve only got to throw hands, and it’s five, two-minute rounds. He would love that. The conditioning is completely different.

    “Stylistically, I don’t think he has a terrible style for bare-knuckle. It would be interesting. You don’t really know until they get in there. Like, I would have never thought Ben Rothwell had a great style for bare-knuckle. Jeremy Stephens obviously has a great style for it, but he’s one of those guys I’d be concerned about breaking his hands. He throws for the fences every time, and I’m like, ‘Dude, you are definitely going to break your hands in bare-knuckle.’”

    Although a McGregor vs. Stephens bare-knuckle fight remains unlikely, the potential matchup continues to generate discussion and excitement within the combat sports community.

  • Dana White Dismisses Talk Of Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul Boxing Match

    Dana White Dismisses Talk Of Conor McGregor vs. Logan Paul Boxing Match

    Speculation surrounding a potential boxing match between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul has recently gained traction, but the former UFC champion’s employer isn’t keen.

    The Irishman hinted at ongoing discussions for a showdown, sparking widespread interest among fight fans. Reports suggest the bout could be financed by India’s Ambani family, headed by Mukesh Ambani, one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. If the fight were to materialize, it would mark McGregor’s first return to the boxing ring since his high-profile bout with Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

    Rumors have escalated to suggest that the Irishman and Ohio native might earn an extraordinary $250 million from the event. However, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the possibility of the fight during an appearance on Pardon My Take, responding with a definitive “no” when asked if McGregor’s highly anticipated comeback would occur in the form of a boxing match against Paul.

    It’s worth noting that McGregor’s exclusive UFC contract grants the organization control over any of his competitive engagements.

    White previously co-promoted McGregor’s fight with Mayweather, highlighting a precedent for UFC’s involvement in cross-promotional bouts. Despite the speculation, White has consistently indicated that the star fighter’s return will eventually happen, aiming for a comeback this fall.

    “The Notorious” has not fought since his 2021 bout against Dustin Poirier, which ended with a severe leg injury in their trilogy fight. While originally scheduled to face Michael Chandler in July, that matchup was postponed due to McGregor suffering a broken toe.

  • Conor McGregor Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assault At NBA Game Months On From Being Found Civilly Liable In Another Case

    Conor McGregor Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assault At NBA Game Months On From Being Found Civilly Liable In Another Case

    Conor McGregor’s legal troubles appear to be far from winding down.

    In November 2024, a jury sided with Nikita Hand, who had accused “The Notorious” of sexually assaulting her in December 2018. The Dublin High Court found the former UFC two-division champion liable and ordered him to pay €248,000 (approximately $257,000) in damages to the plaintiff.

    Now, just two months later, McGregor’s name has surfaced in yet another lawsuit.

    According to a recent report from Front Office Sports, an anonymous woman filed a lawsuit on Tuesday night in Florida, accusing the UFC superstar of sexually assaulting her during the Heat vs. Celtics in June 2023. The Miami Heat, who hosted a 2023 NBA Finals game, are also named as defendants for allegedly overserving McGregor.

    The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Florida, also names Basketball Properties LLC, the operator of the Kaseya Center, as a co-defendant. The plaintiff is reportedly seeking compensation exceeding $75,000, along with coverage for past and future medical expenses, legal fees, and additional remedies.

    According to the litigation, team and venue staff allegedly continued serving the Irishman alcohol despite his visibly intoxicated state. The lawsuit accuses McGregor of battery and alleges gross negligence on the part of the Kaseya Center, claiming that its staff and security failed to ensure a safe environment by allowing McGregor’s excessive drinking.

    At the time of the incident in question, it was reported that the alleged events unfolded after the game had ended. The accuser’s attorney claimed that Miami Heat security personnel separated their client from her friend and escorted her into a men’s restroom, where “The Notorious” and his security guard were already inside. The attorney further claimed that McGregor forced the woman to engage in non-consensual oral sexual acts.

    McGregor attended the event to promote a pain relief spray and took part in a halftime skit with the Miami Heat mascot, Burnie. During the act, he landed a staged punch, knocking Burnie to the floor, followed by another punch before spraying him with the product. The individual in the costume was later taken to a local hospital for evaluation.

  • ‘Is He Ever NOT Acting Like A Psycho?’ – Fans React As Conor McGregor Makes ‘Disgusting’ Tackles In Soccer Appearance

    ‘Is He Ever NOT Acting Like A Psycho?’ – Fans React As Conor McGregor Makes ‘Disgusting’ Tackles In Soccer Appearance

    Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is infamously known for his rise to stardom in the Octagon, as well as his antics and controversies inside and out of the cage. But for one day, the Irishman took his talents from the cage to the pitch.

    McGregor laced up his cleats earlier today and joined Black Forge FC, taking on Harding FC in a Premier Division matchup for the United Churches Football League (UCFL), an amateur soccer league in Dublin.

    While the game ended in a 1-1 draw, it took notoriety for not only the fighter’s appearance, but the hard-nosed intensity and aggression that he brought to the field.

    “I break jaws with my shoulder, and noses,” McGregor posted to social media. “I get the ball any pitch, anywhere. Moses”

    Conor McGregor Joins Up With Black Forge FC In Amateur Soccer Appearance

    McGregor has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons over the last couple of months. He was recently made by an Irish jury to pay over $250,000 to a woman, Nikita Hand, who was civilly suing the polarizing fighter. Hand accused McGregor of a December 2018 sexual assault.

    The Dublin native’s controversies resulted in another soccer team, Drogheda United, distancing themselves from the UFC star in a statement after the former two-division champ posted a photo of himself holding the team’s recently won FAI Cup.

    Despite rumors the past two years of a fight with Michael Chandler, “The Notorious” has not been seen in the UFC since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

  • Irish Soccer Team Distances Itself From Conor McGregor After UFC Star Poses With Trophy Post-Cup Final Win

    Irish Soccer Team Distances Itself From Conor McGregor After UFC Star Poses With Trophy Post-Cup Final Win

    For a long time, being associated with Conor McGregor was one of the biggest boosts that any brand, company or product could hope to land on but that has changed significantly in recent months. In November, “The Notorious” was found liable for assault by an Irish court in his civil rape case.

    The Irishman was forced to pay out 248,000 euros following the result of his case but the financial damage is the only start of the repercussions. Several brands that were formerly linked with the sporting superstar have backed away from “The Mac” in the aftermath including the whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve, which he launched in 2018 and sold three years later for a huge profit.

    In a recent social media post, McGregor broadcast a photo of him holding the FAI Cup to his 47.1 million Instagram followers. The cup was recently won by Drogheda United who defeated Derry City 2-0 in Dublin to become FAI champions for the second time in their over 100-year history.

    The former UFC champ-champ was seen celebrating at his Black Forge Inn alongside his cousin Warren Davis, who was an unused substitute in the final which took place on November 10. The Ireland Premier Division club have since posted an official statement on their website and on social media in order to distance themselves from McGregor who spoke about buying a club in his initial message.

    “A social media post has been brought to our attention today regarding the FAI Cup. Those pictured are a close relation to one of our first team players, who like all the other players had custody of the cup to celebrate with their families at different intervals. Drogheda United do not associate ourselves with the individual who made the social media post in any way, or with any unauthorised brands mentioned.”

  • Conor McGregor Claims BKFC KnuckleMania Set To Break UFC’s 14-Year Wells Fargo Center Gate Record

    Conor McGregor Claims BKFC KnuckleMania Set To Break UFC’s 14-Year Wells Fargo Center Gate Record

    The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), part-owned by Conor McGregor, looks set to host its biggest event to date in a few weeks’ time, and perhaps the biggest to grace Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.

    Bare-knuckle fighting continues to gain further prominence, largely down to the growth of the BKFC. The organization hosts KnuckleMania as its flagship event each year, with the fifth edition set to go down from “The City of Brotherly Love” on Jan. 25.

    In the main event, former UFC fighters Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens will do battle. There will also be championship gold on the line beforehand, with veteran MMA heavyweight Ben Rothwell throwing down with Mick Terrill.

    Keeping a close eye on proceedings will be McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion whose part-ownership of BKFC was announced by president David Feldman at KnuckleMania 4 last year.

    “The Notorious” has been doing plenty of promotional work for the organization since, and the latest saw him react on social media to the release of additional tickets for this month’s major card.

    And during it, the Irishman made a strong claim about ticket sales for KnuckleMania 5, hinting that BKFC is in line to break the Wells Fargo Center arena record, which the UFC has held since 2011.

    “Biggest gate in the arena’s history? Oh yes! See you all there!” McGregor wrote. “BARE KNUCKLE ACTION LIVE FROM WELLS FARGO CENTER, PHILADELPHIA! #PhiladelphiaInaugralBKFCShow“

    The arena record was captured at UFC 133, where Rashad Evans and Tito Ortiz collided in the main event. The card also featured the likes of Vitor Belfort, Rory MacDonald, Alexander Gustafsson and Chad Mendes.

    That event generated a gate of $1.5 million, a figure the BKFC looks poised to surpass if McGregor’s words are to be believed.

  • Conor McGregor Reacts To Reports Of $250M Bout With Logan Paul At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium

    Conor McGregor Reacts To Reports Of $250M Bout With Logan Paul At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium

    Conor McGregor’s claims of boxing Logan Paul in India appear to be more than a fleeting notion.

    Earlier this month, “The Notorious” sent the combat sports world into a frenzy by asserting that he’s actively working toward an exhibition boxing match with Paul. McGregor boldly declared he is “in preliminary agreements” with the Indian billionaire Ambani family, who are eager to back the potential blockbuster event financially.

    Additionally, he hinted that this showdown could take place before his highly anticipated UFC return in 2025.

    What initially seemed like little more than a speculative social media stunt from the former two-division UFC champion, McGregor vs. Paul gained newfound credibility after veteran MMA reporter Ariel Helwani confirmed that both camps were indeed in talks about the fight. Now, an increasing number of signs point to the possibility that the Irishman may be serious about making it happen.

    A recent report by Emmett Glenn of Fightbook MMA revealed that the matchup is reportedly set to take place at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium as part of “Visit India” tourism initiative, with both boxers expected to earn a whopping $250 million each. What makes this even more intriguing is McGregor’s near-confirmation on X, where he responded to Glenn’s report with a telling pair of emojis.

    Moreover, the MMA superstar retweeted a post from his outlet, The Mac Life, reporting the aforementioned update.

    As of now, Paul has remained silent about the proposed fight. In addition, it was revealed last week that neither the UFC nor WWE, the organizations McGregor and Paul are each signed to, have been approached about the bout. However, with both promotions now under the TKO Group umbrella, organizing this potential showdown could be seamless.

    “The Notorious,” who hasn’t fought in over three years since suffering a leg break in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, was previously involved in a high-profile crossover boxing match against former multi-division champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017. Despite his valiant efforts, McGregor ultimately succumbed to a TKO defeat in the 10th round.

  • Conor McGregor Backs Mike Perry’s Challenge To Former UFC Champion For BKFC Return

    Conor McGregor Backs Mike Perry’s Challenge To Former UFC Champion For BKFC Return

    Mike Perry is seeking a high-profile retired fighter to face off against in his BKFC return in 2025, and Conor McGregor likes one of his options.

    At the BKFC Hollywood event in Florida this past weekend, Perry took the spotlight during an in-ring interview and was asked about his future plans. The 33-year-old quickly called out former UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler, who was present in the crowd, as the opponent he’s eager to face next.

    “Who should face me next? I see Robbie Lawler in the crowd and I think he should take the gloves off, and he should step inside the square circle against ‘Platinum’ Mike Perry.”

    “Platinum” hasn’t stepped into the squared circle since his stunning knockout win over former UFC fighter Thiago Alves at BKFC Knucklemania IV in April. He further emphasized that Lawler is the ideal opponent to add to his flawless bare-knuckle record.

    “Listen, man, I’m the best to ever be up in this ring [with] no gloves. There’s nobody [that’s] ever done it like me, and I’m waiting for my chance to shine again. The world tried to take things from me. I’m ready for my next opportunity and it doesn’t seem like anybody [wants] to step up to the line. So what I thought is Robbie Lawler might just be tough enough to do it.”

    BKFC part-owner Conor McGregor, who had previously claimed to have fired Perry from the promotion, recently took to X to give an enthusiastic endorsement for the potential Perry vs. Lawler showdown.

    “What a show,” McGregor tweeted. “Perry vs. Lawler? Gimme.”

    https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1870664376329416732

    https://x.comff/TheNotoriousMMA/status/1870664376329416732

    “Platinum” was last seen in action in July, when he stepped in on short notice to face Jake Paul in a boxing match after an ulcer flare-up delayed Mike Tyson’s fight with Paul until November. Unfortunately for Perry, he was knocked out in the sixth round of the bout.

    Perry remains undefeated in BKFC with a perfect 5-0 record, boasting impressive knockout victories over former UFC champions Eddie Alvarez and Luke Rockhold.

    Meanwhile, Lawler called time on his fighting career after a decisive 38-second knockout victory over Niko Price at UFC 290 in July 2023. While “Ruthless” once commanded fear in the Octagon, his final stretch saw him struggle, posting a 3-6 record in his last nine appearances.

  • Conor McGregor Vows To KO ‘Sloppy Novice’ Logan Paul In UFC vs. WWE Battle

    Conor McGregor Vows To KO ‘Sloppy Novice’ Logan Paul In UFC vs. WWE Battle

    Conor McGregor appears to be all in on his potential boxing match with WWE superstar Logan Paul. “The Notorious” recently claimed on X that he is working towards a return to the ring to face off with Paul in India with his long awaited return to the UFC falling slightly down the priority pecking order.

    Paul recently made his WWE comeback at the Raw on Netflix Kickoff event where he announced that he will be stepping back into the pro wrestling world when Raw debuts on Netflix on January 6. During his speech, he even threw a reference to McGregor in there by stealing one of the Irishman’s most iconic lines.

    As for McGregor, the former UFC champ-champ has been incredibly active on social media over the past few days. It has been a massively significant month for him in general following the verdict of his civil court case where McGregor was found guilty of sexual assault.

    In his latest post regarding his combat sports return, he referenced Paul’s boxing ability and the fact that both men are under contract with TKO Group which some have suggested will make this fight easier to pull off. As for his potential opponent, Paul’s last outing inside the boxing ring was a disqualification victory over McGregor’s former teammate, Dillon Danis.

    Despite his lack of combat sports experience, the WWE athlete opened as the betting favorite for a contest with “The Notorious”. Accompanied by lots of hashtags, McGregor had this to say on the fight.

    “TKO Group! UFC vs WWE. There is levels to this, a big sloppy novice is going to find out! TKO KING TITLE #BiggestGenerator#KingofNumbers#Streams#PPV I hold every record and I am coming back to KO this novice and rack in more numbers for the company. #StockMarketIndia#MyHighestPayPacketYet#Thanksforthecheese“

  • Logan Paul Adds To Boxing Talk By Using Classic Conor McGregor Quote While Announcing WWE Return

    Logan Paul Adds To Boxing Talk By Using Classic Conor McGregor Quote While Announcing WWE Return

    Though nothing has been confirmed as of yet, there has been a lot of talk over the past few days regarding a potential boxing match between Conor McGregor and Logan Paul. “The Notorious” sparked the conversation out of nowhere by claiming on X that he is already in preliminary talks over a clash with Paul in India before he turns his attention to a return to the UFC.

    After recently claiming that he was retired from the WWE, Paul appeared at the Raw on Netflix Kickoff event last night where he announced that he will be switching brands in order to appear on the first episode of Raw that will take place on Netflix on January 6. During his speech, he threw out a tease which made reference to McGregor and one of his most memorable moments on the mic.

    Paul has not competed in a boxing ring since his win over McGregor’s former teammate, Dillon Danis. That fight took place in October of 2023 where Paul won the fight via disqualification after convincingly beating the former MMA fighter from start to finish.

    He then returned to WWE where following his speech at last night’s event, it looks like he’ll be a big part of the promotion’s plans for 2025. Speaking about his intentions going forward and the reaction from the crowd, Paul used a particular saying that has long been associated with a certain Irishman.

    After stopping Diego Brandão in Dublin 10 years ago, McGregor delivered an instantly iconic phrase that galvanized the Irish fans inside the 3Arena. Paul used his time on the mic to seemingly pay homage to the man that could be his next opponent in the boxing ring.

    “If you have something I want, I’m gonna take it…’Logan Paul’s a bully’. Yeah! I am the bully! And the WWE is my playground!” Paul said. “So look, I’m not here to take part, I’m here to take over. Your approval means nothing to me. Whether you love me or hate me, I don’t care, because you’re still watching.”

  • Paul Hughes No Longer Interested In Conor McGregor Cornering For Nurmagomedov Fight: ‘With Things Going Down Now…’

    Paul Hughes No Longer Interested In Conor McGregor Cornering For Nurmagomedov Fight: ‘With Things Going Down Now…’

    Paul Hughes has done a complete about-face regarding his enthusiasm for having Conor McGregor in the corner for his upcoming fight.

    When Hughes triumphed over AJ McKee at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in October, he passionately floated the idea of enlisting his Irish compatriot, “The Notorious,” to join his corner for a potential title clash with reigning Bellator Lightweight Champion Usman Nurmagomedov.

    At the time, McGregor pledged his support, expressing interest in standing in Hughes’ corner. The opportunity to reignite his storied rivalry with UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov — Usman’s first cousin and an almost certain presence in his corner — added an intriguing layer to the matchup.

    “Big News” is now gearing up to face Nurmagomedov in the headline bout of the Road to Dubai Champions Series, set for Jan. 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, U.A.E. Surprisingly, though, he has decided to abandon his earlier plan of attempting to secure the former two-division UFC champion’s services for the biggest fight of his career to date.

    During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, Hughes said that he was simply toying with the idea and explained that he has no real plans to bring McGregor into his corner for the highly anticipated title clash.

    “Look, I mean the whole corner thing, that was the post-fight interview where things were just being thrown there,” Hughes said. “Other than, that just blew up and did the rounds on social media a couple of times. Other than that, I haven’t mentioned it or looked about anything to do that.”

    “Big News” further explained that, given McGregor’s involvement in a whirlwind of controversy following an Irish court ruling last month that he was liable for the assault of a woman who accused him of rape in 2018, it would be unwise to enlist the sport’s most iconic figure for his corner.

    “Obviously with things going down now, it’s not something I’m going to continue to pursue.”

    However, Hughes also mentioned that he would prefer to have another fellow Irishman, UFC welterweight sensation Ian Garry, in his corner.

    Interestingly, “The Future” had previously offered his support, suggesting the idea of returning the favor after Hughes cornered him in 2021 during his title fight under the Cage Warriors banner.

  • Stephen A. Smith: ‘More Experienced Boxer’ Logan Paul Would Beat Conor McGregor In The Ring

    Stephen A. Smith: ‘More Experienced Boxer’ Logan Paul Would Beat Conor McGregor In The Ring

    If former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor wants to record his first win in the boxing ring at the second time of trying next year, Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think Logan Paul would be a smart opponent.

    Talk of the next step in McGregor’s combat sports career has largely centered around a UFC return in recent times. That was originally announced toward the start of 2023 ahead of his and Michael Chandler’s battle as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.

    But that reality series and two calendar years will have passed by without the Irishman making the walk again. Nevertheless, McGregor has remained steadfast on insisting that his career is not over, and he’s now eyeing up a clash with Chandler for 2025.

    First, however, it would appear “The Notorious” has his sights on a surprising assignment in the squared circle.

    McGregor — whose most recent battle came in the courtroom, where he was found liable for assault after being accused of rape — took to social media this week to claim an exhibition boxing match with Logan Paul is in the works, with the billionaire Ambani family looking to stage it in India.

    While it remains to be seen how truthful the Dubliner’s claim is, that hasn’t stopped fans and pundits alike from pondering how a clash with the older Paul brother would play out.

    During a recent episode of ESPN‘s First Take, Sports television personality Stephen A. Smith gave his take on the potential matchup.

    For McGregor, it didn’t make for good listening…

    “I think Logan Paul is going to beat him,” Smith said. “I don’t think that Conor McGregor is a boxer; he’s a striker. So, he’s sitting up there, and he ain’t even throwing his jab. He’s pitter-pattering. You ain’t clipping Logan Paul like that. You’ve got to do more than that.

    “We don’t know yet (which size gloves they’re using), but it doesn’t matter. Unless it’s pillows like 16 or 18 ounces, it ain’t going to work. I just think that Logan Paul is bigger, he’s a much bigger man, he’s a more experienced boxer,” Smith continued. “Those big muscles are going to make you a bit slower, and you’ve got to remember that Conor had quickness, he could catch you quick and clip you. That’s not going to be the case in the boxing ring.”

    Like younger brother Jake, Logan does have experience in the exhibition and crossover boxing realm. He battled fellow online star and now-business partner KSI twice before later facing a shared opponent with McGregor in Floyd Mayweather. Having gone the distance in that exhibition, “The Maverick” returned to the ring in 2023 to defeat Dillon Danis.

    McGregor, meanwhile, has not boxed competitively since being TKO’d by Mayweather in their highly covered 2017 bout. Judging by Jake Paul’s recent claim that he, too, has been offered a match with the Irishman recently, it would appear the UFC star is intent on his next outing coming in the ring.