Conor McGregor's BKFC faces ban as Australian leader slams 'brutal' sport
The Irishman was confirmed as a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship last year, but not everyone seems to be onboard with the promotion
Conor McGregor has been dealt a huge blow after an Australian politician revealed he is leading calls for bare knuckle fighting to be permanently banned in the country.
The Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, co-owned by McGregor, was set to make its Australian debut in Perth this July. However, the WA Combat Sports Commission has rejected the application. In response to this development, Australian Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas is urging the State Government to completely outlaw the sport, asserting it has no place in Western Australia.
"It was very clear that a significant majority of Western Australians did not want this brutal sport to be coming to Perth," He continued: "It should not have taken this long, and there are still lots of questions," said Zempilas. He further added: "We don't know what criteria was not met, or how the decision was reached. We don't know whether there were discussions between the Minister and the Commission, and it would appear the door is still open."
Zempilas is convinced that a ban is the only appropriate measure to prevent future applications. "That's what we want. Clearly that's what the people of Western Australia want," the 53-year-old said. "It sets a bad example, there is very little demand. And it took the long way and a confusing way to get there, but I'm pleased that the common sense decision was ultimately reached."
Last year, the former dual-weight UFC champion and his company "McGregor Sports and Entertainment" became part-owners of BKFC, which has since seen a stunning growth, staging events worldwide with McGregor often in attendance. However, not everyone is thrilled about the bare-knuckle fighting promotion.
However, not everyone appears to be onboard with the promotion. Zempilas' comments were echoed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Speaking to Triple M, Albanese said: "A bit of common sense - you've got to look after people's health a bit and maybe save people from themselves. I just think we've got to be much more conscious about health issues." When asked directly about bare knuckle fighting, the Prime Minister replied: "It's a bit crazy!"
BKFC President David Feldman had previously insisted that the event would still go ahead. The lineup was set to feature ex-UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell against Aussie powerhouse Alex 'Godly Strong' Simon, and 'Rowdy' Bec Rawlings slated to face Jade Masson-Wong.The event was set to take place at RAC Arena on July 19, but with calls for a ban heating up, it seems very likely that the BKFC will struggle to host an event in Australia.
Recently, McGregor vowed to compete in BKFC despite the controversy. "Yes. Yes. The warrior spirit burns strong inside me," he said at a BKFC press conference in Italy earlier this year. "For sure. If you think I'm up here giving these speeches and leading these men into battle and I won't step in there myself, think again. For sure. Conor McGregor will fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship – mark my words."
"I would wish to be the Bare Knuckle world champion. That is a significant belt to hold in your career. Nobody from boxing to mixed martial arts can speak nothing bad on a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship world champion. So for sure, I'd be coming in looking for the world title.
"There are many bouts, showcase bouts you could say. Michael Perry, Mike Perry. You could say Jeremy Stephens. You could say a rematch against Eddie Alvarez. You could say many matches. But the lightweight title, who is the champion right now, lightweight or welterweight? Let's see. I'm open. We'll see when it comes."
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