Conor McGregor's business empire just got a little bigger.
The former UFC two-division champion amassed a £200m fortune by combining huge fight checks with a hugely successful alcohol company and pub portfolio.
Now he's putting some of his money into the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. [BKFC] Became co-owner of Fight Promotion, a rapidly growing company.
A special video message from McGregor punctuated the BKFC Knucklemania 4 card in Los Angeles on Saturday night.
“The 'Notorious' Conor McGregor is here,” he began.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a big announcement today: Conor McGregor himself and McGregor Sports and Entertainment are now the owners of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
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“Welcome to the big leagues. David Feldman, baby, we made it.”
McGregor shared footage of his announcement on social media, writing: “McGregorverse, we now own the fastest growing sports promotion in the world, BKFC. 'Take off your gloves and fight, motherfuckers.'” with the caption.
BKFC chairman Feldman was elated by the news after welcoming McGregor to his event, which is scheduled for an impromptu showdown with Mike Perry in 2023.
“Look, you now have the greatest man in all of martial arts as a co-owner of our company,” he said during the broadcast of BKFC Knucklemania 4.
“I think this is going to move the needle in a big way. We're going to do a lot of big things. We're going to open up a lot of new markets.
“Look, we're partners with Conor McGregor. Everyone in the martial arts world, everyone in the world, knows who that guy is. So Conor, thank you, and take this shit. Let’s blow it up.”
Social media company Triller, which recently merged with Hong Kong-based financial firm AGBA in a $4 billion deal, will remain BKFC's majority shareholder.
As a result, McGregor can focus all his efforts on his comeback.
The 35-year-old hasn't fought since July 2021, when he broke his leg during a three-fight fight against Dustin Poirier, but is scheduled to return later this year.
McGregor will face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29th.
A win would put him in perfect position to challenge for titles in several weight classes, but a loss could end his career as a top-class mixed martial artist.
No matter what happens, McGregor seems destined to fight in bare-knuckle boxing at least once before retiring from martial arts.
