Latest news with #BKFC
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Conor McGregor next fight confirmed? The Notorious confirms he's joined UFC anti-doping pool for UFC White House
Conor McGregor is signalling his intentions to make a UFC return after a four-year hiatus. The former two-division champion, who last fought in 2021, has announced he is back in the UFC's anti-doping program to prepare for a potential appearance on a historic fight card at the White House in 2026. In an interview with The Schmo following a BKFC press conference in Florida, McGregor confirmed his re-entry into the program, stating, "They're testing me. I'm in the pool. I thought that's what the pools were for, jumping in and out, but I'm back in the pool. So get ready and stay ready because damage will be done. Oval office. White House card." The event, planned to coincide with the America 250 celebrations, was proposed by President Donald Trump, who expressed interest in hosting a UFC card at the White House. UFC president Dana White later confirmed that discussions for the event were already underway, with fighters lining up to participate. McGregor's return to the anti-doping program comes after a series of setbacks in recent years. After suffering a severe leg injury in 2021, McGregor temporarily withdrew from the UFC's drug testing pool. He re-entered the program in 2023 while preparing for a bout against Michael Chandler, a fight that was later cancelled due to a broken pinky toe. Though McGregor has been tested multiple times in 2024, UFC anti-doping records indicate he has not undergone testing in 2025. This gap suggests he may have once again opted out of the program earlier this year. However, with the White House card not scheduled until at least July 2026, McGregor has ample time to comply with the necessary six months of drug testing required for a return to competition. While McGregor's participation in the event is far from guaranteed, his latest announcement adds fuel to the speculation surrounding his UFC comeback. Fans now await further developments on whether McGregor will indeed fight on this landmark card.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Conor McGregor ‘whispered' UFC comeback details and his future fighting plans
Conor McGregor is gearing up for his long-awaited UFC comeback after revealing to his BKFC business partner David Feldman that he's rejoined the sport's drug testing programme. The Irish fighter - who's been making waves in the headlines this week - has been away from the MMA organisation for four years, with his most recent clash ending in July 2021 when he suffered a TKO defeat (doctor stoppage) during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Although the 37-year-old was scheduled to stage his return last year in a showdown with Michael Chandler, he pulled out of the bout after breaking his toe. Talk of McGregor's potential comeback became increasingly rare, leaving supporters concerned they might have witnessed the final appearance of the 'Notorious' fighter inside the UFC octagon. Nevertheless, US president Donald Trump's announcement regarding plans for a landmark UFC event to be held at the White House during America's Semiquincentennial celebration next July has apparently sparked McGregor's eagerness to secure his place on the card. Feldman has subsequently disclosed that his BKFC co-owner had shared his UFC aspirations with him privately. During an appearance on the Ariel X Ade show, he revealed: "He's got two fights left on his contract, and he's got to get right," reports Dublin Live. Conor McGregor is aiming to return to MMA next year to compete at the White House (Image: AP) "The whole world's waiting, is he going to get in shape and fight? And he told me in person, he whispered in my ear. 'I'm in the testing pool, I'm getting ready to make my comeback. "'I'm going to fight on that [White House] card, then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk.' That's what he said [to Feldman]." McGregor has since officially announced his return to the drug testing pool in a chat with MMA journalist, The Schmo, confirming: "They're testing me. "I'm in the pool. That's what pools are for - jumping in and out. But I'm back in the pool. So get ready and stay ready, because damage will be done." With McGregor hinting at a comeback to MMA, the list of potential rivals is an exciting prospect for any combat sports fan, with names like Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria, and Islam Makhachev on the table. The 37-year-old has not featured in a UFC fight for over four years (Image: Photo by) The buzz around the event has even tempted Jon Jones to consider coming out of his recent retirement, despite having left the sport only weeks prior and after much speculation about a heavyweight mega-fight with Tom Aspinall. Jones has teased fans by saying: "I can't promise anyone anything, but I have a very strong feeling that I'll be on that card." Dana White, UFC CEO, has promised a card so special that it'll triumph what he achieved at UFC 306, which was held at the Las Vegas Sphere. He claimed: "Like when we did the Sphere. It's the Sphere on steroids. It's gonna be a one-of-one event. There'll be nothing like it ever again. I'm going to make this one of the greatest events of all time. It will be a full card, and it will be the best card we've ever done to date."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carlisle bare-knuckle boxing champion announces retirement
Carlisle bare-knuckle boxer Danny Christie has announced his retirement from the BKFC. The 40-year-old former UK champion says he will no longer fight on the major bare-knuckle platform. Christie announced his decision following his recent defeat in a British welterweight title fight against Connor Tierney. The Currock fighter initially retired last autumn only to reverse his decision to take on Tierney. Now Christie is stepping down from the top bare-knuckle scene again. "The time has come for me not to compete any more," said the Cumbrian on his YouTube channel. "I'm retiring from the BKFC. "I'm not going to compete any more in bare-knuckle. "I just don't feel like I've got anything left to do in this game. "Never, ever in my wildest dreams or imagination could I ever have envisioned me doing what I've done in the BKFC. "What an honour and a privilege it's been to be one of the names that's helped pioneer this company in the UK and make it what it is today. "Bare-knuckle is where it's at. I love the BKFC. I love the sport, I love the game. Christie defeated Anthony Holmes to win the British light-heavyweight BKFC title in 2023, and has also had title fights in other weight divisions (Image: BKFC) "I've had some brilliant feedback from the BKFC. They've made a position available to me, working with the company in the UK, which is massive, and brilliant. It's what I wanted to do. "I'm an ambassador for the BKFC. But I've decided enough's enough." Christie said he had "retired" after previous fights but added: "There's only so many times I can keep doing this. "There's only a certain amount of training camps that you're willing to put yourself through." Christie became the British light-heavyweight champion in 2023 when, after victories over Terry Brazier and Darren Godfrey, he defeated Anthony Holmes in Leeds to take the belt. After defeat to American fighter Jared Warren, he successfully defended his British title against David Round. Christie then moved to middleweight and defeated Jimmy Millar, earning a world title shot where he was beaten by American star David Mundell. That fight last October prompted Christie to retire but he returned to take on Tierney in Birmingham last month. Home-city favourite Tierney got the better of Christie by technical knockout in the fourth round of a closely-contested and ferocious fight. After nearly three weeks since that fight the Carlisle boxer has now reached his decision to call it a day. "I've just headlined two shows back to back," he added. "I've got no interest in going back and fighting some randomer on the middle of a card somewhere. "No disrespect to the lads who are doing that, but I've come such a long way." Christie said he will "still be in the game," with the Currock man having been working with up-and-coming Carlisle fighter Kieron Sewell, who has just signed a deal to join the BKFC.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Romero Stabbed With Samurai Sword, Attacker (And Former BKFC Fighter) Acquitted
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) announced last month that it terminated its relationship with Bantamweight champion, Alberto Blas, because of unprofessional conduct. In a press release, BKFC outlined the reasons for the decision: BKFC values discipline, accountability, and respect for the sport both inside and outside the ring. While the athlete's performance inside the squared circle has been exceptional, repeated incidents and conduct inconsistent with the values and image of the organization have made it necessary to part ways. 'We have a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our promotion and the sport as a whole. There were multiple infractions that went into this decision. We wish him well in his future endeavors,' said BKFC president David Feldman. BKFC remains committed to promoting world-class athletes who embody the grit and professionalism that define bare knuckle fighting. A decision regarding the future of the now-vacant 135lb title will be announced shortly. One of Blas' reported infractions has recently come to public attention, revealing a serious incident from 2022 in which he was arrested in Miami-Dade County, Fla., on charges of attempted felony murder, causing injury and battery. The victim was reportedly former three-time Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title challenger (and newly-signed BKFC fighter), Yoel Romero. MMA YouTube channel Ragdoll MMA recently released a video about the incident, and an anonymous source cited in the video described the incident. According to the video, it reportedly began with a verbal altercation between Blas and Romero at American Top Team. The argument escalated and moved to the parking lot, where Blas allegedly attempted to strike Romero with his car. After missing Romero twice, Blas reportedly exited his vehicle, retrieved a sword from his trunk, and struck Romero twice in the arm and hand. Romero was hospitalized to treat his injuries, which included a damaged tendon in his arm, according to multiple sources confirming the incident to Authorities were notified, and Blas was later arrested and charged with attempted felony second-degree murder and misdemeanor battery. Romero attended all court dates, but did not testify, and Blas was ultimately acquitted by a jury on all charges back in Dec. 2024. The incident was not widely publicized at the time, with Romero reportedly keeping the matter private. has verified the details of the incident through multiple sources, confirming its accuracy. What makes this incident even crazier is that Romero competed twice in 2022, even though he had a damaged tendon, stopping both of his opponents (watch highlights). Since his release from BKFC, Blas has signed with rival bareknuckle promotion, BKB. For more bareknuckle boxing-related news and notes click here. More from Miocic Responds To Pressure From White And Cormier White On 'Possibly' Stripping Miocic UFC 249 Embedded: Rousey Nearly Knocked Out Cruz? Midnight Mania! Sterling Vs. Sandhagen Possible June 6 Headliner UFC 249 Odds, Under Dogs And Best Bets! Khabib Plans July Return, Vows To 'Smash Them All' Video! Jacare Breaks Social Distancing Rules Prior To UFC 249 Removal
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
BKFC boss reveals big development Conor McGregor shared about UFC comeback
Conor McGregor let BKFC president David Feldman in on a major career update. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is yet to compete since breaking his leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He had re-entered the UFC drug-testing pool to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 but withdrew from the fight a month away after breaking his pinky toe. McGregor has not been booked for a fight since, and many have questioned if he will ever return again. But with President Donald Trump announcing that the UFC will host an event next July at the White House, McGregor has thrown his name in the hat. According to Feldman, McGregor is taking his comeback seriously. "He's got two fights left on his contract," Feldman said on "The Ariel Helwani Show." "He's got to get right, and the whole world's waiting. Is he going to get in shape and fight? He told me in person, he whispered in my ear, he said, 'I'm in the testing pool.' He said, 'I'm getting ready to make my comeback. I'm going to fight on that big card, and then I'm going to have another fight, and then we can talk." Feldman is referring to McGregor potentially competing for BKFC – something the former UFC dual-champion has vowed he would eventually do. However, McGregor will have to complete the final two fights on his UFC contract before being able to.
