Conor McGregor may be sidelined while recovering from surgery, but the former UFC two-division champion is already preparing for his next major project outside the Octagon.
Just days after his UFC 329 comeback ended in disappointment due to a fight-ending injury, McGregor has been confirmed as the host of BKFC’s upcoming reality competition series, World’s Baddest Man.
The highly anticipated show, which was initially expected to launch in 2026, will now premiere on FOX Nation in the summer of 2027.
BKFC and FOX Nation officially announced the partnership this week, confirming that Conor McGregor will serve as host and play a central role throughout the series.
The show will combine documentary-style storytelling with elite bare-knuckle competition, featuring fighters from around the world competing in a bracket-style tournament for a massive cash prize and the title of the “World’s Baddest Man.”
“BKFC has changed the game of combat sports, and I couldn’t be more excited to partner with FOX Nation and unleash The World’s Baddest Man Tournament,” McGregor said in a statement.“This tournament will bring together the toughest fighters on the planet in a true test of heart, grit, and willpower, and I’m proud to be part of something that will set a new standard for what it means to be the baddest man in the world.”
The series will follow a format similar to The Ultimate Fighter, a show that McGregor has appeared on multiple times during his UFC career. Contestants will compete throughout the season before the tournament concludes with a live winner-takes-all finale.
BKFC President David Feldman believes the project represents a significant step forward for combat sports entertainment.
“World’s Baddest Man is a bold new chapter for combat sports,” Feldman said.“Partnering with FOX Nation, Kiss Fly Productions, and Conor McGregor allows us to showcase incredible athletes from around the world and tell the stories behind their pursuit of the toughest title in fighting.”
FOX Nation executives also expressed excitement about bringing the project to subscribers, highlighting McGregor’s global appeal and the unique format of the series.
“Conor McGregor is one of the most recognizable figures in combat sports, and we’re excited to partner with him on a bold new original series unlike any other,” FOX Nation President Lauren Patterson said.“World’s Baddest Man combines premium documentary storytelling with world-class competition, providing FOX Nation subscribers unprecedented access to unique athletes while showcasing the grit, determination, and heart required to compete for one of the biggest prizes in combat sports.”
The announcement comes at a challenging time for Conor McGregor, whose long-awaited UFC return ended abruptly at UFC 329. The Irish superstar suffered a serious knee injury just over a minute into his rematch with Max Holloway and later confirmed that he will undergo surgery.
Despite the setback, McGregor has insisted that he plans to return to competition and complete the final fight on his UFC contract once he recovers.
Outside the UFC, McGregor continues to expand his influence in combat sports. In April 2024, he became a part-owner of BKFC and has since played an active role in promoting the fast-growing bare-knuckle organization.
While the list of competitors for World’s Baddest Man has yet to be announced, the tournament is expected to feature fighters from multiple combat sports backgrounds as they compete for one of the biggest prizes in bare-knuckle fighting.
For now, Conor McGregor may be focused on rehabilitation, but his presence in combat sports remains as strong as ever. With a new television series on the horizon and plans for one final UFC fight, “The Notorious” is determined to stay in the spotlight both inside and outside the cage.
