In the world of combat sports, fighter compensation and ownership are perennially debated topics. While large paychecks grab headlines, the desire for a more fundamental stake in the promotions athletes help build has long been a quiet undercurrent. Enter Conor McGregor, the man who redefined fighter stardom, now stepping into the shoes of a promoter, and seemingly addressing this very issue based on his own high-profile past experiences.
Back in 2016, following his history-making victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 – a win that secured him two world titles simultaneously – McGregor found himself at the absolute zenith of his fighting career and arguably the sport`s biggest draw. This period coincided with a pivotal moment for the Ultimate Fighting Championship itself: its sale for approximately $4 billion to WME-IMG. Recognizing his undeniable role in elevating the company`s value and profile, McGregor made a clear, public demand at the post-fight press conference: he wanted equity. He pointedly noted how celebrities and other figures reportedly held shares, questioning why a fighter of his impact shouldn`t have a similar stake. The request, as he would later indicate, never materialized.
A Promoter`s Promise: Equity in BKFC
Fast forward to today, and McGregor is not just a fighter but a significant owner in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Alongside founder David Feldman, McGregor recently participated in a press conference laden with announcements, ranging from high-profile fighter signings like Yoel Romero and Derek Brunson to plans for international expansion.
Amidst this cascade of news, a particularly impactful revelation stood out. Feldman and McGregor unveiled a plan to offer ownership stakes in BKFC to their fighters. This initiative is presented as an alternative to a previously discussed fighter pension plan, which proved challenging to implement. The equity offer, open to BKFC champions and long-tenured athletes, is said to range in potential value from $100,000 up to $3 million for those with the longest service and highest accolades within the promotion.
Drawing a Stark Contrast
For McGregor, this isn`t merely a business decision; it`s a moment framed by his own history. He explicitly drew a parallel between this BKFC offer and his unfulfilled wish from his peak UFC days. Addressing the audience, he articulated the significance of providing fighters with a tangible piece of the company they contribute to, stating, “To join this rise truly, truly be on the board with us as we rise up this ladder of combat sport.”
He did not shy away from referencing his UFC experience, noting that despite giving his “heart and soul” to contribute to the company`s rise, he felt he “got nothing for it” in terms of ownership or a stake beyond his fight purses, substantial as they were. This sentiment underpins the BKFC initiative: to create a structure where the athletes who endure the brutal demands of bare-knuckle competition are rewarded not just with payment, but with actual ownership as the company grows. It`s a business model, perhaps, born from a personal sense of having been overlooked for such an opportunity at the height of his own influence.
The move positions BKFC, a relatively young but rapidly expanding promotion, in a unique light within the combat sports landscape, directly challenging the traditional promoter-fighter dynamic by inviting its top athletes to the `owners` table` – a table McGregor himself once sought a permanent seat at, and is now building for others.
