Conor McGregor has been vocal about the UFC White House card. Yet new speculation suggests he could make a surprise return outside the UFC.
This claim came from Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship President David Feldman during a press event for BKFC 82. The event will feature a King of Violence title fight between Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens.
Feldman told reporters that McGregor skipped the press conference. He claimed the Irishman is training instead to face the winner of Perry versus Stephens.
Feldman fuels speculation
“We expected my partner and friend Conor McGregor today, but he cancelled at the last minute,” Feldman explained. He added that McGregor feels highly motivated. “He told me one of you two is probably his next fight.”
McGregor’s potential bare-knuckle debut
McGregor became a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in April 2024. Since then, he has hinted several times about a debut in the promotion. Such a move would be possible once he completes the two fights left on his UFC contract.
The former champion also shares tension with Perry. Their rivalry grew after Perry’s loss to Jake Paul in the boxing ring last year.
McGregor also has history with Stephens. They faced off in January, and Stephens was the target of McGregor’s famous line at a UFC press conference in 2016: “Who the f*** is that guy?”
McGregor remains inactive but present in headlines
McGregor has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Yet he continues to link his name to major cards. He recently signaled interest in competing at the UFC White House event in July 2026.
Meanwhile, Perry will return to the bare-knuckle cage against Stephens after defeating Thiago Alves at Knucklemania IV in April 2024. Stephens enters the fight on momentum, having finished Eddie Alvarez at Knucklemania V this January.
