While Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback hangs in the balance, it now appears that a vastly different opportunity has captured his imagination.
‘The Notorious’ was set to face lightweight rival Michael Chandler back in June, until he was forced to pull out of the eagerly anticipated UFC 303 headliner with an injury.
Instead, Chandler returned to the octagon at UFC 309 last Saturday, coming off second best in a compelling rematch with former champion Charles Oliveira.
Conor McGregor, meanwhile, has not fought since his devastating defeat to Dustin Poirier back in 2021, with MMA fans growing increasingly more doubtful about his potential return.
BKFC president David Feldman teases monumental bare-knuckle event
During his hiatus from the UFC, McGregor has kept himself busy by investing in several businesses, including the rapidly growing Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship promotion.
As a co-owner of the company, the Irishman has been front and center of its promotion, hoping that the new sport will capture the interest of a wider audience.
Sure enough, several ex-fighters from the world of combat sports have already crossed over, with former boxing world champion Austin Trout having already claimed his first BKFC title.
Active professional boxer Regis Prograis, a two-time world champion, has also expressed an interest in joining the promotion after losing to Jack Catterall last month.
But now, BKFC president David Feldman has teased an announcement that promises to take his company to a whole new level.
“I’m gonna announce the biggest tournament in combat sports history, with the largest prize that’s ever been in a tournament in combat sports history,” Feldman told MMA on SiriusXM.
“Just to give you a little hint, it’s going to be a $25 million prize – and we’re in the search for someone really special.
“We’re going to drop that announcement in three weeks and I think it’s going to capture everybody’s attention in all combat sports.
“Anybody from all over the world, anybody from any organization from any combat sport… Anybody is welcome to do this.”
Eddie Alvarez will take on Jeremy Stephens in a blockbuster BKFC showdown
With a whopping $25 million prize up for grabs, Feldman is seemingly convinced that his tournament will attract some of the biggest names in combat sports.
One fighter who has already made his mark in the bare-knuckle, though, is of course former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez.
‘The Underground King’ has had two BKFC outings thus far, encountering both Chad Mendes and Mike Perry in two action-packed dustups last year.
Now, Alvarez is gearing up to face former MMA fighter Jeremy Stephens on January 25, when the pair will headline BKFC’s next major event in Philadelphia.
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