This year marks over three years since UFC superstar Conor McGregor last stepped into the Octagon. Fans have eagerly awaited his return, but it has been delayed time and again due to various reasons, ranging from his Hollywood ventures to a “pinky toe” injury. These constant setbacks have even exasperated his potential opponent, Michael Chandler, who is now considering moving on to other fighters, leaving the Irishman without a confirmed matchup.

Despite this, McGregor seems to be channeling his energy elsewhere, particularly in his new role as part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC). Since August, he has fully embraced his “needle-moving” ability in this venture, becoming deeply involved in the promotion. His growing focus on BKFC has been evident, with ‘Notorious’ making headlines for his hands-on approach during the recent BKFC 63 event that took place earlier in August.

Today, at the BKFC on DAZN: Spain event, Conor McGregor’s ownership power was on full display as he not only participated in the weigh-in ceremony but also intervened to break up a heated altercation between fighters Franco Tenaglia and Tony Soto before an on-stage brawl could erupt. A clip of ‘Notorious’s’ intervention, showing him raising the championship belt, has gone viral online after being shared by the MMA-focused page “Happy Punch” on X, with the caption, “Conor McGregor is just having the time of his life at the BKFC Spain weigh-in.”

Although Conor McGregor has been on hiatus from fighting, it appears that this break hasn’t affected him much; he is thriving in his entrepreneurial endeavors and his new role as part-owner of BKFC. In the video, he seems incredibly excited, much like the fighters, which has left some fans questioning his actions while others enjoy seeing him in this fighting avatar. Let’s delve into what fans have to say about this latest development.

Fans seem to be enjoying the new avatar of Conor McGregor

Unlike the last time the Irishman stepped into the BKFC ring, where his drinking habits disappointed fans, this time he seems to have embraced a new persona. Having recovered from his pinky toe injury, McGregor took action by stopping a brawl between the fighters. At one point, he was one of those fighters, and a fan, unable to contain his excitement during this turnaround moment, commented, “Facing off while Conor is tweaking and yelling at you in an Irish accent has got to be the wildest experience.” Another fan pointed out Conor McGregor’s enthusiasm, remarking, “Bro, he’s more excited than the fighters!”

The pivotal moment when McGregor lifted the championship belt, reminded fans of his prime when he ruled both the featherweight and lightweight divisions. However, with the passage of time, Conor McGregor has lost much, leaving him with only his superstar status. One fan emphasized this situation, remarking, “Stepping in the middle of the scuffle and holding the belt up was absolutely incredible.”

Another fan pointed out the Irishman’s bald look, which some said resembled UFC head honcho Dana White, with one fan even labeling him the ‘evil version of White.’ This sentiment was echoed by another fan who reminded others of the possibility of Conor McGregor replacing White in the future, commenting, “I feel like Conor bought the BKFC to practice for running the UFC when Dana retires.”

Meanwhile, there were those who were not impressed by McGregor’s new co-owner role, questioning his return to the UFC and the fulfillment of his remaining two-fight contract with the promotion, “He’s never fighting in the UFC ever again,” while another accused ‘Notorious’ of discarding reality and living in delusion, stating, “He’s living in his own world.”

Additionally, a fan who criticized Conor McGregor’s current lifestyle while appreciating the rise of BKFC claimed, “BKFC is emerging as it is,” but further ruled out McGregor’s superstar status, saying, “But McGregor does make it feel ‘more important’ being up there as a hype man.”

Now all eyes are on Conor McGregor’s next move. Do you believe that ‘Mystic Mac’ will be able to make his return to the Octagon in 2025? If yes, who would you like to see him fight as his opponent? Drop your opinions below.