McGregor Announces Bare-Knuckle Move After Final UFC Fight

Conor McGregor plans to leave the UFC for bare-knuckle fighting after completing his current contract.

The former featherweight and lightweight champion told attendees at the Hype Italy event in Berlin that he has one bout remaining on his deal and intends to compete without gloves once that obligation is fulfilled, per Sherdog. McGregor, who acquired an ownership stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in 2024, dismissed the idea that stepping away from the octagon means retirement.

McGregor On Bare-Knuckle Appeal

Speaking with Spitfire Gym Berlin, McGregor said the format eliminates the risk of dull fights. "Bare knuckle; I really enjoy bare knuckle fighting," he said. "I don't think there's any chance of a boring fight in bare knuckle." He acknowledged that high-level MMA remains compelling but described bare-knuckle competition as requiring more courage. "It takes more courage for me, I think, to get in," he added.

The 38-year-old Irishman also joked about the physical toll of fighting without gloves, telling the crowd that teeth and noses are replaceable. "Eh, teeth come and go! Just like a nose, it means nothing!" McGregor said. "You can get new teeth!"

McGregor's final UFC appearance has not been scheduled. His most recent octagon outing came in July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Photo: Andrius Petrucenia on Flickr (Original version) UCinternational (Crop) / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Conor McGregor plans bare-knuckle move after final UFC contract fight