TLDR
- McGregor has one fight left on his UFC contract and plans to compete in 2027 before leaving the promotion
- He is recovering from ACL surgery after injuring his knee seconds into his UFC 329 fight against Max Holloway
- McGregor plans to compete in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) after his UFC retirement
- He claims he outsells every fighter in combat sports, including boxer Canelo Alvarez
- McGregor co-owns BKFC and says bare-knuckle fighting is more exciting and dangerous than MMA
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmafighting.com
Conor McGregor has revealed his plans to leave the UFC after completing his final contract fight in 2027. The former two-division champion said he will then transition to competing in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, a promotion he currently co-owns.
McGregor made the announcement while speaking with fans at Hype Italy. He confirmed he has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and intends to fulfill that obligation before moving on.
“I’m going to lay down my gloves in that Octagon for my final UFC contract fight, but not to retire—to announce bare-knuckle,” McGregor said. “Teeth come and go, just like a nose.”
Conor McGregor reveals he’ll announce a move to bare knuckle after his next UFC fight 👀
“I’m gonna lay down my gloves in that octagon for my final UFC contract, but not to retire, to announce bare knuckle.” pic.twitter.com/HTc82r7xoZ
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) November 4, 2026
Recovery From ACL Injury
The Irish fighter is currently recovering from ACL surgery after suffering a knee injury at UFC 329 earlier this year. He returned to the octagon after nearly five years away to face former rival Max Holloway but injured his ACL just seconds into the fight.
McGregor has targeted International Fight Week 2027 for his return to competition. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and put his fighting career on hold for several months.
Despite the setback, McGregor remains focused on his final UFC appearance. He said he plans to heavily promote the fight to generate record-breaking numbers.
Claims About Star Power
On social media, McGregor boasted about his drawing power compared to other combat sports stars. He specifically called out boxer Canelo Alvarez, who is widely considered boxing’s biggest pay-per-view attraction.
“Man I outdo ALL of these people in sales. Majorly. EVERY SINGLE ONE. With ease. Maybe even combined,” McGregor wrote on Twitter after Alvarez’s recent fight against Christian Mbilli.
McGregor holds the record for the highest-selling pay-per-view event in UFC history. His 2018 fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the promotion’s most-watched event.
His 2017 boxing match against Floyd Mayweather also ranks as one of the biggest-selling fights ever. Only Mayweather’s bout against Manny Pacquiao generated more pay-per-view sales.
“I was on the same time as the World Cup semifinal and still done all them numbers,” McGregor said. “I’m going to actually try to sell the fight for my next one. My final fight. See what numbers I can generate.”
McGregor expressed enthusiasm about competing in bare-knuckle fighting during his conversation with fans in Italy. He praised the format for being more exciting than traditional mixed martial arts.
“I really enjoy bare-knuckle fighting,” McGregor said. “I don’t think there is any chance of a boring fight in bare-knuckle.”
He added that the sport requires more courage than MMA. “Bare-knuckle is very exciting, very dangerous, and it takes more courage,” he explained.
When asked directly if he would compete in a bare-knuckle bout, McGregor responded with confidence. “I’m looking forward to a bare-knuckle fight myself. Big chance. Big chance!”
McGregor has been open about his plans to eventually compete in BKFC, though no official announcement or date has been confirmed. He currently serves as a co-owner of the bare-knuckle promotion while still under contract with the UFC.
