BKFC president David Feldman and Conor McGregor teaming up was not on a lot of people’s bingo cards in 2024, but that’s what happened on Saturday.
Unexpected Partnership
Speaking on the BKFC KnuckleMania 4 broadcast, Feldman threw to a video package of McGregor announcing that he, in conjunction with his McGregor Sports and Entertainment promotion, is now a co-owner of BKFC. Speaking with the media at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles after the event, Feldman gave his reaction to UFC’s biggest star entering the fray.
“He’s now an owner of BKFC with us and we’re going to take this motherf*cking thing to the top now,” Feldman said at the post-fight press conference.
McGregor attended BKFC 41 in April 2023 and had a viral staredown with promotional star Mike Perry following Perry’s knockout win over Luke Rockhold. According to Feldman, that’s when the talks for McGregor to come over in an executive role began.
Unbelievable Conversations
“He came to our event — in two days it will be a year [ago] — in Denver,” Feldman explained. “He jumped in the ring, he called out Mike Perry in fun, and one thing led to another. We partnered with his beer for his Irish stout, and they became a sponsor of ours. He fell in love with this.
“We had some unbelievable conversations, some great ideas already exchanging. It was funny, I was telling my wife, ‘I was dying for Conor McGregor to call me and now the guy won’t stop calling me.’ It’s unbelievable. But he is so excited about this thing. I think it takes it to the next level.”
McGregor is preparing to face Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas, which serves as the former two-division UFC champion’s first fight since suffering a brutal leg injury in his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
Potential Reaction from Dana White
With “The Notorious” getting ready to give the UFC an even bigger bump with his long-awaited return, Feldman was asked about UFC CEO Dana White and how White may react to the news of McGregor taking on a promotional role with a different fight promotion.
“Listen, Dana White has a juggernaut with the UFC,” Feldman said. “Conor McGregor certainly moves the needle for them, but [White]’s very successful without [McGregor] — not that he’s fighting for us. I’m just saying, but is him promoting our product for us? Who knows? You’re probably a little mad; your No. 1 star is going to talk about a different company, so you’re probably not very happy about it. But he’s not worried about us.”
“Not yet,” Feldman added.
The Impact of the Partnership
The partnership between BKFC and Conor McGregor marks a significant moment in the combat sports world. It’s a fusion of two powerful entities, fueled by passion and ambition. McGregor, renowned for his flair inside and outside the cage, brings a unique energy to BKFC, potentially attracting a broader audience and elevating the promotion’s profile on a global scale.
Feldman’s enthusiasm for the collaboration is palpable. His recounting of the unexpected turn of events, from McGregor’s playful challenge to Mike Perry to the deep discussions that followed, underscores the genuine excitement surrounding this venture. It’s not merely a business transaction; it’s a meeting of minds, a convergence of visions aimed at reshaping the landscape of combat sports.
Navigating Potential Obstacles
While the announcement of McGregor’s involvement undoubtedly generates buzz, it also raises questions about how his partnership with BKFC might affect his standing with the UFC, particularly in light of his upcoming bout with Michael Chandler. As Feldman acknowledges, Dana White’s reaction remains uncertain. The UFC has long been synonymous with McGregor’s meteoric rise, and his association with another promotion could provoke mixed feelings within the UFC hierarchy.
However, Feldman remains undeterred. His confidence in BKFC’s trajectory, bolstered by McGregor’s unwavering commitment, speaks volumes about the conviction behind this collaboration. It’s a bold move, one that challenges the status quo and invites speculation about the future dynamics of the combat sports industry.
Looking Ahead
As McGregor prepares to step back into the octagon and BKFC gears up for its next chapter, the stage is set for a compelling narrative to unfold. The intertwining of their paths promises intrigue, drama, and perhaps even a hint of controversy. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing is clear: David Feldman and Conor McGregor are determined to leave an indelible mark on the world of combat sports, one punch at a time.
