Conor McGregor has never played it safe, and his latest move has the fight world buzzing more than ever. Weeks after re-entering the UFC’s dr*g-testing pool for his long-awaited return, McGregor stole the spotlight right ahead of BKFC 82, teasing a future bare-knuckle fight of his own and declaring a WWE heavyweight signing.

The timing could hardly be more chaotic. ‘The Notorious’ has recently made news with his audacious $100 million demand to headline the UFC’s proposed July 4, 2026, White House card, which would celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day. But instead of focusing solely on the UFC’s future, McGregor turned BKFC into the story of the night, presenting himself as both the promoter and a potential star attraction.

“I want to do it” – ‘The Notorious’ bare-knuckle fighter?

In an interview with DAZN, Conor McGregor reiterated his dual role as hype guy and fighter-in-waiting, saying, “BKFC is on the rise. It’s global. Tonight, I introduce my new heavyweight signing, WWE Superstar. So we’ve got WWE crossovers now. Everyone wants to do it. This is… I want to do it. I own the thing, and I want to do it. This is the stable of solidness, if you’re a tough, bad motherf—–.”

The remark wasn’t just bluster. McGregor’s statement, “I own the thing, and I want to do it,” was the strongest hint yet that he is really considering making his bare-knuckle debut. Equally noteworthy was his nod to crossover stardom; however, ‘The Notorious’ managed to keep the wrestler’s name a secret for now.

It is worth noting that the deal follows BKFC’s previous signing of Jack Claffey (formerly WWE’s Gentleman Jack Gallagher), who made a successful debut at BKFC 25. With Vince McMahon himself recently making overtures to buy into the company, Conor McGregor’s declaration indicates that BKFC is doubling down on spectacle and mass crossover appeal.

That puts McGregor straddling two worlds: the UFC, where a long-awaited showdown with Michael Chandler looms, and BKFC, where he could rewrite the rulebook entirely. His $100 million and 100 Golden Visa demand for the White House card may or may not be honored, but his bare-knuckle tease suggests that he is keeping all options open. Maybe he might even end up fighting the same WWE superstar whose signing he just teased in the interview. But who could be this pro wrestler wanting to make his BKFC debut?

Conor McGregor’s BKFC is set to get a massive name on its roster

If McGregor’s words left fans speculating, the clues point in one very specific direction. Two months ago, BKFC 76 featured a surprise cameo from none other than former WWE superstar Bobby Lashley. The powerhouse is known as “The Dominator,” who has balanced careers in pro wrestling and MMA. And while he did not enter the ring that night, his on-air interview confirmed that he has been in serious talks with BKFC president David Feldman about returning to MMA.

It is worth noting that Lashley isn’t just a pro wrestler dabbling in hype. He has a 15-2 professional MMA record, including a successful run in Bellator and Strikeforce before retiring in 2016 after an eight-fight winning streak. Add to that his credentials as a two-time WWE Champion, U.S. Army veteran, and current AEW superstar, and the “mystery heavyweight” McGregor advertised no longer seems so mysterious.n

His resume perfectly matches the profile of the crossover star McGregor envisions for the BKFC banner. And the man himself has not shied away from adding to the speculation. At BKFC 76, Lashley stated, “Man, this is very exciting being here in Texas. It is fantastic. I mean, I talked to Dave Feldman a little bit, and I think I might have one more left in the tank.”

Well, if it all turns out to be true, then the BKFC might’ve gotten themselves one of the best deals in MMA-pro wrestling crossovers. A Conor McGregor-backed BKFC debut for Lashley would not only boost his mainstream credibility, but it could also shake up the heavyweight landscape of bare-knuckle fighting.