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Hot mic! Conor McGregor leaks UFC retirement plan, bareknuckle boxing debut date | Video

Conor McGregor has hinted at a bold transition from MMA to bareknuckle boxing following his final UFC fight. During a recent appearance at Hype Italy in Rome, the two-time UFC champion suggested he will retire from the Octagon not to end his fighting career, but to announce his debut in the bareknuckle ring.

McGregor, who co-owns the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), emphasized his enthusiasm for the raw, high-stakes nature of bareknuckle combat, calling it 'very exciting, very dangerous, and [requiring] more courage.' He confirmed plans to conclude his UFC contract with one last appearance, then shift focus to bareknuckle boxing, though he did not specify a date beyond targeting a timeline tied to his recovery from a July 2025 knee injury suffered against Max Holloway. McGregor’s injury—a torn ACL and meniscus—has sidelined him until at least mid-2027, aligning with his earlier mention of a potential July 2027 return for his final UFC bout.

The BKFC, where McGregor became a co-owner in 2024, remains the likely platform for his next chapter in combat sports.

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