Conor McGregor appears to have his post-UFC future mapped out, and it may not include another contract with the promotion. The former two-division champion recently made it clear that he is looking forward to becoming a free agent after completing the final fight on his current UFC deal. McGregor also revealed that a move toward Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is already on his mind.
Conor McGregor Wants Out of the UFC After Final Fight
McGregor currently has one fight remaining on his UFC contract following his appearance against Max Holloway at UFC 329. His comeback ended after only 69 seconds when a knee injury forced the bout to stop, but the fight still counted toward his contractual obligations.
The Irish superstar is now focused on completing that final UFC appearance before exploring what comes next. His latest comments suggest he does not expect to sign a new deal with the promotion unless circumstances change dramatically.
McGregor has a professional record of 22-7-0 and has not recorded a victory since his first-round stoppage of Donald Cerrone in January 2020. Despite that lengthy winless run, his name remains one of the biggest draws in combat sports.
His previous UFC run included championship victories at featherweight and lightweight. He also became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously, establishing a legacy that continues to make his contractual future a major talking point.
‘One More to Go’ Before McGregor Becomes a Free Agent
McGregor recently appeared enthusiastic about the possibility of finally operating outside the UFC. In a social media video, he discussed BKFC and made it clear that he is eager to compete in bare-knuckle fighting once his UFC obligations are complete.
The message was particularly significant because McGregor has an existing connection to BKFC beyond simply being a potential fighter. He has invested in the promotion, making a future appearance inside the BKFC ring a possibility that could benefit both sides.
McGregor said he cannot wait to participate in bare-knuckle competition and emphasized that only one UFC fight remains before he becomes free. That statement represents a much clearer indication of his plans than the speculation surrounding his future earlier this year.A move to BKFC would also give McGregor a chance to build a new chapter outside the organization where he became a global superstar. His presence could immediately bring enormous attention to the promotion.
McGregor’s UFC Future Changed After Holloway Injury
The situation became more complicated after McGregor’s return at UFC 329 ended almost immediately. He had spent five years away from the Octagon before facing Holloway, but his comeback lasted just over a minute before the injury brought the fight to an end.McGregor subsequently confirmed that he would undergo surgery for the injury. UFC CEO Dana White later indicated that the former champion could be out for an extended period, adding another layer of uncertainty to the timing of his final contracted appearance.
The injury also means McGregor’s final UFC fight is unlikely to happen immediately. He has previously indicated that he wants to complete the final bout of his deal, with April 2027 identified as the scheduled date when his current contract was discussed publicly.Fans can also revisit the Irishman’s recent UFC journey through the detailed Conor McGregor UFC career coverage, which puts his comeback and championship legacy into context.
Why BKFC Makes Sense for McGregor
BKFC could be one of the most logical destinations if McGregor follows through on his latest comments. The promotion’s bare-knuckle format would give him a completely different competitive challenge while allowing him to remain involved in combat sports after his UFC contract expires.There are also plenty of potential commercial advantages. McGregor remains one of the most recognizable fighters in the world, and his involvement could introduce BKFC to a much wider mainstream audience.
However, McGregor’s next fight will still depend on his recovery and his ability to complete the final UFC obligation. His knee injury has already interrupted his comeback once, so the timing of his return will be an important factor in determining what happens next.
McGregor Still Has One UFC Fight to Complete
Although McGregor is talking about free agency, his UFC chapter is not finished yet. He still has one contracted fight remaining, meaning the promotion retains control over his next appearance before he can officially explore the wider market.
That final fight could therefore carry more significance than a normal bout. It would determine how McGregor leaves the UFC and could influence the value of his options afterward, particularly if he enters free agency without a win since 2020.
McGregor has previously discussed the possibility of making his final UFC appearance against Holloway again, but his injury has changed the situation. For now, the priority is recovering fully and getting back into position to fulfill the last fight on his contract.Sportsgotec has also covered the Conor McGregor Final Fight 2027 situation as his contract approaches its final stage.
What Could Come Next for Conor McGregor?
A UFC exit would open several possibilities for McGregor. BKFC is now the clearest option based on his own comments, but his star power could also make boxing, exhibition fights or other major combat-sports opportunities financially attractive.The biggest question is whether McGregor can return healthy enough to make his final UFC appearance. His previous comeback ended almost immediately, and his recovery timeline will likely determine when he can finally close the UFC chapter.For the promotion, losing McGregor would mean the departure of one of its most commercially valuable stars. For McGregor, however, free agency could represent an opportunity to control the next stage of his career on his own terms.
Final Thoughts
Conor McGregor appears increasingly determined to leave the UFC once he completes the final fight on his current contract. His comments about becoming free and competing in BKFC provide the clearest indication yet that he is preparing for life outside the promotion.The immediate priority remains his recovery from the knee injury suffered against Max Holloway. Once McGregor completes his final UFC obligation, the former two-division champion could have an unusually wide range of options available to him.For now, one UFC fight stands between McGregor and free agency. What happens after that could become one of the most closely watched chapters of his already remarkable combat-sports career.
