It’s no secret that Conor McGregor has his sights set on the highly anticipated UFC White House card scheduled for next year. The former two-division champion already has an opponent in mind—Michael Chandler. In recent interviews, McGregor claimed he was in talks with the U.S. government to make the fight happen and even suggested that the deal was “done.” For now, though, ‘The Notorious’ is focused on his fighting ventures. 

Over the weekend, the 37-year-old BKFC co-owner took center stage at BKFC 81. After the event, McGregor addressed the media at the post-fight press conference, opening up about the challenges of stepping into the role of promoter. “I’ve been just promoting the bare, or come on board as a promoter and owner of the bare knuckle,” he said, reflecting on his experience in the business side of combat sports. But it hasn’t been easy!

Conor McGregor admits promoting and fighting simultaneously broke him

“I’m doing it a long time,” McGregor said. The 37-year-old recalled his early UFC days under the Fertitta brothers, adding, “With Dana White at the helm, and I was the protégé.” McGregor stressed that fighters deserve more respect, as they not only compete but also carry the responsibility of promoting their bouts. “To promote on its own is easy, and also, coincidentally, to fight on its own is easy. People don’t really realize that.”

McGregor reflected on the pressures that come with fame in the fight game, explaining that life is much easier before the spotlight hits. He noted that early in a fighter’s career, “no one really cares,” and they can compete freely without external pressure. But as success grows, so does the weight of promotion and public attention. “When you rise, you’ve got to add this promotional side to it,” McGregor said, admitting that juggling both can be “incredibly draining.”

“I wouldn’t be the first to tell you it almost broke me,” McGregor continued. “To be honest, maybe it did break me as I went on and I achieved massive success and global out of this otherworldly superstardom. It overcame me at times.” For now, McGregor is focused on promoting BKFC but admits he still misses competition. “But don’t get me wrong, I missed the fight game,” he said, before revealing that the UFC is preparing a new contract for him.

“I know Dave wants me in the bare knuckle. The UFC are concocting a new contract deal or whatever’s going to happen. I don’t know. We’ll see. We’ll take it day by day. But God is great and I thank him every day,” McGregor said during the presser. Notably, McGregor still has two fights left in his contract with the UFC. Regardless, the Irishman has also agreed to fight Mike Perry. 

Mike Perry avoids the firing threat as McGregor agrees to fight

Conor McGregor was forced to backtrack on his threat to “publicly sack” Mike Perry after the King of Violence champion delivered a statement win at BKFC 82. Perry dropped Jeremy Stephens six times before securing a fifth-round knockout, silencing any doubts about his spot in the promotion. Moments later, BKFC co-owner McGregor entered the ring to congratulate him, where the two shared a friendly exchange that hinted at a future fight.

“How could you come here and see this live and not want to take part?” McGregor said, moments after Perry quoted his iconic “apologize to absolutely nobody” line from a decade ago. The Irishman then revealed his desire to step into bare-knuckle competition, adding, “I for sure want to take part in this, so I’m lining this up… I have the height of respect for you, and I’d love to do it with you one day for sure.”

Conor McGregor is sending mixed signals about his next appearance in the ring. Despite that, the pressure of promoting seems to be getting to the former double champion. Who do you think he should fight?