Conor McGregor isn’t just talking anymore. He’s changing the game. again. Nearly a decade after demanding equity in the UFC, McGregor is finally delivering on that vision but this time, he’s the one holding the keys. As co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), the Irishman is now offering fighters something the UFC never did, a real stake in the promotion.
After he dismantled Eddie Alvarez to become a two-weight world champion at UFC 205, McGregor knew what he brought to the table. WME-IMG bought the UFC for $4 billion shortly after, and McGregor’s role in inflating that valuation was undeniable. He wanted equity then. He’s offering it now.
During a chaotic, headline-packed BKFC Champions Summit press conference, McGregor and fellow BKFC boss David Feldman made history again. While fans buzzed over new signings like Yoel Romero and Derek Brunson, the biggest announcement wasn’t a fight. It was the shift in power.
Instead of a long-promised pension plan, Feldman and McGregor revealed a fighter equity program. Long-serving champions and top-tier BKFC athletes will now have the chance to own part of the company. Feldman estimated some shares could be worth anywhere between $100,000 and $3 million.
“Do you understand how incredible that is for our combatants to be rewarded in that way?” McGregor told the press. “To join this rise, truly, truly be on the board with us as we rise up this ladder of combat sport.”
This isn’t just lip service. It’s McGregor finally putting money where his mouth is but he didn’t stop there. McGregor went full on the mic when he addressed Mike Perry’s long-awaited return.
Perry, known as “The King of Violence,” has been the face of BKFC but hasn’t competed since April due to his boxing bout with Jake Paul. Now, he’s locked in for Oct. 11 but McGregor made it clear who’s in charge.
“You’re welcome back because I welcomed you back,” McGregor said, referencing Perry’s temporary exit from the promotion. “Oct. 11 is your date, and you’ll dance for me, boy. You’ll dance for the owner, and then we can talk.”
Before Perry even dreams of fighting McGregor, he’s got a major obstacle in front of him. McGregor teased a mystery opponent,someone with serious UFC credentials.
“Your date is Oct. 11, Michael Perry, the return of ‘Platinum,’ and we’ve got one hell of an announcement for an opponent for you,” McGregor continued. “One of the baddest men to ever grace the Ultimate Fighting Championship, but when it comes to bare-knuckle, he’s going to throw down with you in front of me for my viewing pleasure, and then I’ll decide if you’re worthy.”
Perry previously hinted at wanting a fight with former UFC champion Robbie Lawler, but McGregor kept the opponent’s identity under wraps. One thing’s clear: McGregor’s words have weight now, and Perry is dancing to his tune.
The press conference also confirmed a wave of former UFC stars heading to BKFC. Yoel Romero, fresh off a run in Dirty Boxing, joins the promotion at 48 years old still defying time and logic. Thiago Santos, another former UFC title challenger, is set for a bare-knuckle rebirth. Veterans Derek Brunson and Aspen Ladd are also onboard, as is former boxing world champion James DeGale.
BKFC isn’t just a sideshow anymore. With McGregor behind the wheel, it’s evolving into a legitimate, global combat sports powerhouse
