On Saturday night, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship's latest event had an unexpected guest appearance from UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
Just a week prior, McGregor had witnessed Gervonta Davis defeat Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas. As he settled into a ringside seat at BKFC 41 in Colorado, fans erupted in cheers to welcome him and watch two of his former opponents battle it out.
After enduring five rounds, former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez secured a split decision win over Chad Mendes, both of whom had been knocked out by McGregor in the past. Following his loss, Mendes announced his retirement.
The ring was then occupied by Mike Perry and former UFC middleweight champion Luke Rockhold, with Perry emerging victorious with a second-round TKO win after Rockhold suffered severe damage to his teeth, leading to the bout being waved off by referee Dan Miragliotta.
During Perry's post-fight interview, he invited McGregor into the ring for a stare-down, but the atmosphere between the two was cordial despite the intense exchange.
McGregor was holding Perry's BKFC belt and praised the event organizers and fighters, expressing his satisfaction with his first-ever attendance at a bare-knuckle boxing show.
Mike Perry calls out Conor McGregor for a face-off and @TheNotoriousMMA accepts. He enters the ring with the BKFC title over his shoulder.#BKFC41 | LIVE on #FITE pic.twitter.com/DoCw7OZTZP
— FITE (@FiteTV) April 30, 2023
“It’s an incredible setup here,” McGregor said.
“Incredible matchmaking. Incredible storytelling. I had to come here.
“I flew straight away. I was not going to miss this, and it did not disappoint.
“All these fighters that step in here are warriors and all have my respect.”
The former dual-weight UFC champion even suggested he’d be open to competing in the sport after his time in MMA’s premier promotion is over.
“I’m into this game,” McGregor added.
“I’d be into this. How am I showing up here and I’ve already got the belt?
“Come get it, baby! Come get the strap, baby!”
The 34-year-old is currently preparing for his UFC comeback fight.