McGregor Plans Final UFC Fight Before Bareknuckle Move
The former two-division UFC champion says his next Octagon appearance will be his last before he turns to bareknuckle boxing.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Conor McGregor said he plans to end his UFC career with one final fight and then transition to bareknuckle boxing. He made the statement during an interview at Hype Italy in Rome, where he was a special guest.
Why it matters
McGregor's remaining UFC contract fight and planned move to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship would shift one of mixed martial arts' most prominent figures to a different promotion. McGregor is also a BKFC co-owner, tying his future directly to that organization's growth.
McGregor is a former two-division UFC champion who became a BKFC co-owner in 2024. His UFC 329 rematch with Max Holloway ended 69 seconds in when he tore his ACL and meniscus, and the UFC has not confirmed how many fights remain on his contract.
The players
Conor McGregor
Irish mixed martial artist and former two-division UFC champion known for his high-profile career and co-ownership of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC)
A bareknuckle combat sports promotion that McGregor co-owns and that is expected to be the destination for his post-UFC career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
The largest mixed martial arts promotion in the world, where McGregor holds one remaining fight on his contract.
Max Holloway
American mixed martial artist who faced McGregor in the UFC 329 rematch where McGregor suffered his knee injury.
David Feldman
President of BKFC who said he would bet the house that McGregor eventually competes for the promotion.
The details
McGregor said he will lay down his gloves in the Octagon for his final UFC contract fight, then announce bareknuckle boxing. He underwent knee surgery after the July injury, which has kept him sidelined since.
Timeline
July 2026: McGregor tears his ACL and meniscus at UFC 329 against Max Holloway.
October 3, 2026: McGregor makes his announcement at Hype Italy in Rome.
July 2027: McGregor previously targeted International Fight Week for his final UFC fight.
Late 2027: A bareknuckle debut could take place, according to projections.
Season Trajectory
McGregor's planned exit from the UFC follows his 2024 BKFC co-ownership, marking a shift from ownership to active competition. His final UFC fight and bareknuckle debut would reshape the promotional landscape for both organizations.
Fans tracking UFC fight cards will need to watch for McGregor's final contract bout, which remains unscheduled. Those following bareknuckle boxing may see his BKFC debut as early as late 2027.
The takeaway
McGregor's shift from UFC star to BKFC co-owner and fighter signals how combat sports stars increasingly build careers across multiple promotions. Readers following the sport should watch for official contract confirmations from the UFC.
What happens next
McGregor is expected to remain sidelined until at least summer 2027, and he previously targeted International Fight Week in July 2027 for his final UFC fight.
Further reading
For more on the sport's top promotions and fighters, see Mixed Martial Arts.
