Renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Conor McGregor has expressed his interest in competing in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) ring, while acknowledging that he has contractual obligations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to fulfill first. McGregor, who was revealed as a co-owner of BKFC earlier this year, made his remarks during a press conference held in Spain on Thursday.

Appearing before BKFC fans, McGregor not only discussed his excitement about being part of the team but also revealed his ambition to potentially compete in the future. While his current focus remains on the UFC, with two fights left on his contract, McGregor couldn't help but turn his attention to the three lightweights present at the press conference. "I'm not up here just as an owner, player-manager I'll title myself on this one," he stated, hinting at his desire to mix business with personal ambitions.

Although McGregor is slated to face off against Michael Chandler in his UFC comeback, the bout has yet to be officially scheduled. McGregor's withdrawal from their initial match at UFC 303 created uncertainty around the much-anticipated showdown.

Interestingly, it was McGregor's firsthand experience attending a BKFC event that further piqued his interest in the sport and the promotion's potential for growth. Delving into the financial aspect, he acknowledged the opportunities that BKFC could offer to MMA fighters who wanted to make the transition to bare-knuckle fighting. McGregor cited the remarkable rise of former UFC fighter Mike Perry, who is set to battle Jake Paul in a boxing match this weekend, highlighting the potential for success beyond the octagon.

"Look at what has happened to Michael Perry, one of our big stars here, the King of Violence he titles himself," McGregor said. "No one in this combat sports space can speak one [bad word] about [BKFC], and that for me is money in the bank."

While McGregor's exact plans regarding BKFC remain uncertain, his involvement as a co-owner and his consideration of future participation in the ring have sparked curiosity and speculation among fans and pundits. As one of the most prominent figures in the combat sports scene, McGregor's potential presence in the world of bare-knuckle fighting could have significant implications for the growth and popularity of the sport.

As the completion of his UFC contract nears, McGregor's future endeavors continue to captivate the attention of his global fanbase and the wider MMA community.