Conor McGregor plans to leave his gloves inside the Octagon — but not because he’s finished fighting.
The former two-division Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion was a special guest at Hype Italy earlier yesterday (Tues., Oct. 3, 2026) in Rome, watching a card packed with bareknuckle boxing, dirty boxing and submission grappling (results here).
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During an interview at the event, McGregor was asked whether he prefers mixed martial arts (MMA) or bareknuckle fighting. Not surprisingly, the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) co-owner was torn.
“I really enjoy bareknuckle fighting,” McGregor said. “I don’t think there is any chance of a boring fight in bareknuckle. Now, I am a mixed martial artist — maybe I’m saying this because I had a bad time out the last time.
“Good MMA — really good MMA — is hard to beat, but bareknuckle is very exciting, very dangerous and it takes more courage,” McGregor continued. “I’m looking forward to a bareknuckle fight myself.”
When asked about the chances of competing in bareknuckle boxing after completing his MMA career, “The Notorious” revealed exactly how he envisions his UFC exit.
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“Big chance. Big chance!” McGregor said. “I’m going to lay down my gloves in that Octagon for my final UFC contract [fight], but not to retire — to announce bareknuckle. Teeth come and go, just like a nose.”
The declaration wasn’t completely unexpected.
Earlier this week, McGregor announced that his next appearance would be his final UFC fight, promising to make the most of his farewell once he recovers from knee surgery. The Irish superstar has repeatedly referred to his comeback as his “final fight” and “last dance” with the promotion.
McGregor didn’t provide a specific calendar date for his bareknuckle debut, but he did reveal the intended timeline: one final UFC appearance followed by a move into bareknuckle boxing.
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The 38-year-old has one fight remaining on his UFC contract, although the promotion has never publicly confirmed that detail. McGregor previously targeted International Fight Week in July 2027 for his final walk to the Octagon.
That timeline remains dependent on his recovery.
McGregor tore his ACL and meniscus just 69 seconds into his UFC 329 rematch against Max Holloway in July. He underwent surgery and is expected to remain sidelined until at least next summer.
While McGregor didn’t specifically mention BKFC during his Hype Italy answer, the promotion is his most obvious destination. He became a BKFC co-owner in 2024 and has repeatedly teased fighting without gloves once his UFC obligations are complete.
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BKFC President David Feldman has also said he would “bet the house” that McGregor eventually competes for the promotion, provided the former UFC champion emerges from his final Octagon appearance without another significant injury.
If everything goes according to McGregor’s plan, his bareknuckle debut could happen in late 2027. First, however, he must get healthy and complete his UFC farewell.
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