Since the UFC announced plans for a White House card next summer, Conor McGregor entered the drug testing pool, indicating he wants to return soon. Taking part in a White House event would be a once-in-a-lifetime moment for any fighter and the Irishman clearly wants his name on such a high-profile card.
But a new report suggests McGregor is setting his sights on bare-knuckle boxing instead. BKFC president David Feldman claims the Irish superstar is preparing for a fight outside the UFC, though McGregor remains locked into his UFC contract. This contradiction has everyone confused.
Is Conor McGregor Busy Training for His Upcoming Bare-Knuckle Debut?
McGregor hasn’t fought since July 10, 2021, when he suffered a leg fracture against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The injury occurred at the end of the first round, leading to a doctor’s stoppage and marking his second straight loss to Poirier.
After four years away, serious reports emerged about his return, especially with the UFC planning a special White House event next summer. The former champion recently teased his comeback on social media and re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool, suggesting an official return was imminent.
Then Feldman complicated everything. At the BKFC 82 press conference, he explained the 37-year-old’s absence by saying, “he couldn’t make it at the last minute because he’s actually very, very focused” on training.
BKFC President David Feldman says Conor McGregor is absent from their press conference today in New Jersey because he is back training to fight the winner of Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens in the BKFC. pic.twitter.com/pExTlMWl4f
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) August 21, 2025
He revealed that McGregor, who serves as a part-owner of BKFC, is eyeing fights against either Perry or Stephens, both former UFC competitors who have found new life in bare-knuckle boxing.
According to Feldman, the Notorious is currently in the best shape he’s ever witnessed. He is training intensely and maintaining sharp focus as he prepares for what could be his bare-knuckle debut.
The elephant in the room remains McGregor’s UFC contract, which still includes at least two more fights. While he cannot currently compete for BKFC due to these obligations, his partnership with the promotion positions him for a future transition once his UFC deal expires.
UFC Fans Are Not Having The Idea
For now, fans will have to wait to see how things unfold. Most, however, do not expect the Mystic Mac to break his UFC contract and make his octagon return in BKFC. They flooded the comment section with their negative reactions.
“He’s under contract with the UFC…” one fan wrote.
He’s under contract with the UFC…
— X (@fau1in) August 21, 2025
Another added, “Poor guy forgot Conor is under UFC contract.”
Poor guy forgot Conor is under UFC contract 😂
— Mark (@georgechapelle) August 21, 2025
A third noted, “Probably… meaning it’s not happening.”
“Probably”… meaning it’s not happening
— Austin (@shrimpdaddie) August 21, 2025
“Not happening buddy,” another suggested.
Not happening buddy
— inter (@iinterdesting) August 21, 2025
One joked, “Connor says a lot and actually does a little.”
Connor says a lot and actually does a little.
— ArtificialUnintelligence (@ArtificialUnAI) August 22, 2025
MMA fans are also confused surrounding McGregor’s immediate fighting future. On one hand, he’s actively involved in BKFC as a business partner and appears interested in competing there. On the other, his UFC contract prevents any official move to bare-knuckle boxing.
For now, MMA fans are left with more questions than answers. McGregor’s next fight will almost certainly be in the UFC. But his BKFC involvement suggests he’s already planning his post-UFC career, even if that transition won’t happen anytime soon.
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