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Thursday, Dec 26, 2024

Eddie Alvarez Weighs in on Conor McGregor’s Chances of Exiting UFC for BKFC

Conor McGregor (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Eddie Alvarez doesn’t doubt that Conor McGregor sincerely wants to compete under the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship banner. But, the former Bellator and UFC champ believes McGregor’s path to do so could be a long and difficult one.

Since McGregor bought into BKFC, he has repeatedly said he wants to compete in a bare-knuckle fight. The controversial star is believed to have two fights left on his current UFC deal, however, and it’s not clear yet when the 36-year-old will fight again.

Recently, Alvarez spoke with MMA Fighting.com and while discussing McGregor’s situation, he expressed doubts that the UFC will expedite the former champ’s timeline to free agency.

“Realistically, I think he still has two fights left on his UFC contract,” Alvarez said. “I just know how difficult it is, especially when you’re that valuable to a company.

“I haven’t been as valuable as Conor, but back when I was basically Bellator’s main guy, I know how difficult it is to get out of those contracts. They don’t make it easy.”

McGregor was finally booked to fight Michael Chandler this past June. But, a broken toe forced McGregor out of the fight. Since then, the Irish fighter has repeatedly said he wants to fight soon.

But, recently UFC CEO Dana White said the end of 2025 is more likely for McGregor’s Octagon return. The UFC’s current broadcasting deal with ESPN is set to expire at the end of 2025, and having McGregor still under contract, would unquestionably strengthen the UFC’s bargaining position.

“For him, making the company hundreds of millions of dollars, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy exit,” Alvarez added. “I think he still has two more fights with the UFC, and I’m not sure how old Conor is, but he’s not getting any younger. So it’s going to be tough for him to fight those fights out and move onto another contract.

McGregor hasn’t competed since July, 2021, when he broke his leg in a rubber match with Dustin Poirier. Since McGregor stopped Alvarez in their 2016 fight at UFC 205, he has only fought four more times, going 1-3.

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posted by FCF Staff @ 10:14 am
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