Conor McGregor has revealed plans to transition to bare-knuckle fighting once he fulfills his remaining UFC contract obligations. McGregor noted that a similar knee injury a decade ago led him to return too soon, and he intends to take the full nine to twelve months allotted for recovery this time before competing again.
Conor McGregor has set his sights on bare-knuckle fighting as his next competitive chapter, revealing the plan publicly after disclosing he still has one remaining UFC contract obligation to fulfill before making the switch.
McGregor, 38, carries a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 7 losses, competing out of SBG Ireland as a southpaw standing 175 centimeters tall with a 188-centimeter reach. The Irishman built his reputation as one of the sport's most electrifying strikers, averaging 5.27 significant strikes landed per minute at a 49 percent striking accuracy rate across his UFC career. He noted that a similar knee injury suffered roughly a decade ago prompted him to return to competition too early, and he stated his intention to use the full nine to twelve months allotted for recovery this time before stepping back into any competitive setting.
Once that recovery is complete and his final UFC bout is behind him, McGregor indicated bare-knuckle fighting would be the direction he pursues.
Why it matters
- McGregor's transition would mark a significant moment for bare-knuckle fighting as a sport, drawing one of MMA's most recognizable names into its orbit.
- His remaining UFC obligation means at least one more appearance under the promotion's banner before any move becomes possible.
- A careful, full-length recovery from his knee injury stands as the immediate priority before either the UFC finale or a bare-knuckle debut can be planned.
- At 38, how McGregor manages this recovery period will shape whatever competitive future he pursues next.
