Conor McGregor Hints At BKFC’s Biggest Signing Yet: ‘Stay Tuned…’

Conor McGregor is teasing what could be BKFC’s most monumental signing yet — MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko. Since becoming a part owner of BKFC in April last year, “The Notorious” has injected fresh energy into the promotion, reigniting its buzz and mainstream appeal. McGregor has also vowed to elevate the sport to new heights by […]

Conor McGregor is teasing what could be BKFC’s most monumental signing yet — MMA icon Fedor Emelianenko.

Since becoming a part owner of BKFC in April last year, “The Notorious” has injected fresh energy into the promotion, reigniting its buzz and mainstream appeal. McGregor has also vowed to elevate the sport to new heights by bringing in marquee talent.

During a press conference on Sunday to promote BKFC Florence, set for April 26, McGregor dropped a tantalizing hint that Emelianenko could soon join the promotion as part of their ongoing push to elevate the sport.

The Irishman’s attention piqued when a reporter lauded his achievements, drawing comparisons to legends like Emelianenko and Royce Gracie.

“Fedor Emelianenko?” McGregor said. “Stay tuned, we might have some announcement with Fedor Emelianenko. Hey Fedor, we’re waiting. Some news might be coming with Fedor Emelianenko. Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is signing and acquiring the best fighters of all time, past, present and future, and everyone wants to be a part of this.”

“The Last Emperor,” hailed as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in MMA history, was last seen competing at Bellator 290 in February 2023. His final outing concluded in disappointment as he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Ryan Bader in their rematch.

Since hanging up his gloves, Emelianenko has offered few hints of a comeback to active competion. The 48-year-old Russian boasts a storied MMA record of 40-7, featuring victories over legends like Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Coleman, Kevin Randleman and Andrei Arlovski, among others.

BKFC President On Potential Ben Rothwell vs. Francis Ngannou Fight: ‘[PFL] Don’t Want To Partner With Us’

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout. Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under […]

BKFC founder David Feldman isn’t holding much hope of the PFL allowing heavyweight star Francis Ngannou to answer Ben Rothwell’s recent callout.

Rothwell has enjoyed a fruitful stint in bare-knuckle boxing since his lengthy tenure in the UFC reached its conclusion after 17 fights back in 2021. “Big Ben” has amassed a 4-0 record under the BKFC banner with nothing but knockouts.

His latest victory was at last month’s KnuckleMania V event in Philadelphia, where the veteran heavyweight delivered an early Knockout of the Year candidate. A violent 36-second finish of Mick Terrill secured Rothwell the BKFC heavyweight title, and all eyes will certainly now be on the 43-year-old’s next outing.

The American set his sights high during his post-fight press conference, dropping the name of former UFC champion and current PFL Super Fights titleholder Francis Ngannou as a desired opponent.

During a recent interview with MMA Knockout, the BKFC president addressed that suggestion, explaining why he doesn’t see it as a possibility despite his promotion’s willingness to do business with rival organizations like the PFL.

“That would be a fantastic payday for Ben Rothwell, and I wouldn’t be opposed to something like that happening,” Feldman said. “But I just don’t think the PFL are gonna do it.

“UFC doesn’t need us, and all the rest of the promotions really don’t want to help us out because it’s just gonna help us get bigger and bigger. So, they don’t wanna do that,” Feldman continued. “They don’t wanna partner with us because they feel it’s gonna help us and not help them as much as it could because Francis Ngannou is a big name.”

Ngannou has competed just once in the PFL since signing in May 2023, knocking out Renan Ferreira in quick time last October.

Having previously fought Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in boxing, “The Predator” is expected to return to the ring for his next combat sports outing.

Jeremy Stephens Slams ‘Cocaine Conor’ McGregor: ‘Used to Have Good Values … He’s F–d Up Now’

Jeremy Stephens Slams 'Cocaine Conor' McGregor: 'He’s F--d Up Now'Jeremy Stephens has reignited his feud with Conor McGregor, taking aim at the Irish fighter’s controversial behavior and lifestyle….

Jeremy Stephens Slams 'Cocaine Conor' McGregor: 'He’s F--d Up Now'

Jeremy Stephens has reignited his feud with Conor McGregor, taking aim at the Irish fighter’s controversial behavior and lifestyle. Following his victory over Eddie Alvarez at BKFC KnuckleMania 5, Stephens addressed McGregor during a post-fight press conference, referring to him as “Cocaine Conor” and criticizing his recent actions.

Jeremy Stephens Slams ‘Cocaine Conor’

The two fighters have a history of verbal clashes dating back to a 2016 UFC press conference where McGregor famously dismissed Jeremy Stephens with the line, “Who the f— is that guy?” Their rivalry resurfaced recently when McGregor, a part-owner of BKFC, entered the ring after Stephens’ win and challenged him to a bare-knuckle fight. The staredown between them has fueled speculation about a potential future matchup under the BKFC banner.

In a recent interview with MMA legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Jeremy Stephens discussed Conor McGregor and said:

“I don’t have to do cocaine and go cut promos, old cocaine Conor, my promoter, buttcheeks Mcgregor. Coked out of his f–g mind. Everybody laughs about it but I’m the only one saying it… That dude used to inspire me, he used to have good values, dude he created the game I’m living in. He’s f–d up [now].”

Stephens expressed confidence in his ability to defeat McGregor in bare-knuckle competition, stating, “I’ll make him quit… I’ve got power, I’ve got calf kicks. But when it comes to bare-knuckle, bro, no one is beating me”

McGregor’s public image has been marred by legal troubles and allegations of drug use in recent years. He has admitted to using cocaine on multiple occasions, including during incidents tied to civil lawsuits and sexual assault allegations. Despite these controversies, McGregor remains a polarizing figure in combat sports.

While a fight between Stephens and McGregor would draw significant attention, it remains uncertain if or when it could happen due to contractual obligations and ongoing legal issues surrounding Conor McGregor.

Exclusive | Rowdy Bec Rawlings Opens Up on Domestic Violence “I’ve been knocked down, but I get up every time”

Exclusive | Rowdy Bec Rawlings Opens Up on Domestic Violence and Her Fight to Save Lives‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings is known for her fighting, however, her most significant battles have been fought outside the arena….

Exclusive | Rowdy Bec Rawlings Opens Up on Domestic Violence and Her Fight to Save Lives

‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings is known for her fighting, however, her most significant battles have been fought outside the arena. As a survivor of domestic violence, Rawlings has become a powerful advocate for raising awareness about abuse and empowering others to overcome adversity. Through her recent documentary ‘Fight to Live‘ the former UFC athlete tells the story of her life.

‘Rowdy’ Bec Rawlings

She began as a standout in the UFC and later transitioned to a star in BKFC. Despite her success in combat sports, Bec Rawlings faced harrowing personal struggles such as escaping an abusive marriage while raising her two sons. Rawlings’s story is now the focus of Fight to Live, a documentary directed by Tom Haramis. The film candidly explores her journey from victim to survivor and advocate.

I’ve been knocked down, but I get up every time, whether in relationships or in my fighting career. I’ve never given up, and that’s what my documentary is about. It’s absolutely amazing.

In an interview with Tim Wheaton of LowKickMMA, Bec Rawlings discusses her fighting career, documentary, and abuse:

It just shows that no matter what you’ve been through, it doesn’t have to define you. It’s about what you do with the bad things that happen in life. You have the power to make something from it—you don’t have to let it consume you. And I never did.

FightToLive DF 2B2A9990 Rowdy Bec Rawlings

The documentary not only highlights her personal struggles but also aims to educate viewers on recognizing red flags in relationships and supporting those at risk. bec Rawlings has used her platform as an athlete to address the alarming statistics surrounding domestic violence. In Australia alone, 25 women were murdered by loved ones in 2024.

The documentary does a really good job of educating people—helping viewers recognize red flags for themselves or for a friend or loved one who might be in a dangerous relationship. It shows how to help them, how to reach out, and how to recognize those signs.

Through Fight to Live and her ongoing advocacy efforts, Bec Rawlings is proving that even the toughest battles can lead to meaningful change.

FightToLive DF 2B2A0306 Rowdy Bec Rawlings 1

Exclusive | Find Your Calm in Chaos – Tai Emery’s Tools for Mental Clarity

"Find Your Calm in Chaos": Tai Emery's Tools for Mental ClarityPower Slap athlete, BKFC athlete, model, lingerie football player, and electrician, Tai Emery, shared her candid thoughts on mental…

"Find Your Calm in Chaos": Tai Emery's Tools for Mental Clarity

Power Slap athlete, BKFC athlete, model, lingerie football player, and electrician, Tai Emery, shared her candid thoughts on mental health and the importance of self-awareness in managing life’s challenges. Known for her toughness and personality, Tai Emery’s reflections offer insights into balancing chaos and calm, both inside and outside the ring.

Tai Emery

Tai Emery sat down with LowKickMMA’s Tim Wheaton to reflect on her journey. Emery emphasized the significance of understanding one’s strengths and finding environments where one can thrive. Drawing from her own experiences working with live wires as an electrician she explained how high-pressure situations often reveal a person’s true character. “People find out where they’re the most calm.”

Tai Emery also highlighted the importance of self-awareness and emotional regulation. She believes that identifying personal triggers and developing tools to manage them is crucial for mental well-being. Whether it’s journaling, exercising, listening to music, or spending time in nature, Emery advocates for finding personalized rituals that help maintain balance. “A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter,” she remarked, drawing parallels between mental health and peak performance.

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“Sometimes when there’s a problem—whether it’s in the ring or out of the ring—you never solve the riddle in the same state you’re in. You know how you’ve lost your car keys and it’s always in the last place you look? No—it’s generally when you’re not looking that you find them. So sometimes just stepping away from something and chilling out—being in nature—can help. Like I said, there’s a small list of things people can do to stop thinking about the problem and actually solve it.”

For Tai Emery, maintaining balance amidst a demanding schedule, training, media commitments, social media responsibilities, and more, requires meticulous organization. She credits her use of a color-coded diary for helping her stay on track.

Tai Emery 2

“I think a tool for people—whether they are fighters or not—is just trying to figure out: one, their triggers; and two, how they control them. Whether it’s having some self-isolation, allowing yourself to process something, writing it down in a journal, listening to music, reading books, talking with friends, dancing, working out—find your own tools. These tools also become meditation: going for a walk, playing with your dog, being with your kids. These are all tools you can use to calm your emotions or bring yourself back to awareness.”

However, she acknowledges that what works for her might not work for everyone: “Tracking my weight or using a diary might not work for someone else… Everyone has their own tools.” Ultimately, Emery’s message is one of empowerment through self-discovery. She encourages others to embrace their unique traits and find joy in their pursuits. “When you’re happiest, people can get the most out of you, and you can get the most out of yourself.”

“Obviously, people find out where they’re the most calm. People want to do something that they’re good at; that’s just the truth. You can do something you’re not good at, but as a job and where you fall into, you’re generally doing something you’re naturally good at or have worked hard to be good at.”

Exclusive | Johnny Garbarino Is Conor McGregor’s Favorite Fighter

Exclusive | Johnny Garbarino Is Conor McGregor's Favorite FighterBKFC’s Johnny Garbarino claims that he is Conor McGregor’s favorite fighter. Creating incredible knockouts and viral moments outside of…

Exclusive | Johnny Garbarino Is Conor McGregor's Favorite Fighter

BKFC’s Johnny Garbarino claims that he is Conor McGregor’s favorite fighter. Creating incredible knockouts and viral moments outside of the ring, ‘Cannoli’ explains why.

Johnny Garbarino Is Conor McGregor’s Favorite Fighter

John Garbarino, a Philadelphia-based fighter, made headlines with a remarkable debut at BKFC KnuckleMania 5 on January 25, 2025. Fighting in his hometown at the Wells Fargo Center, Garbarino delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Apostle Spencer in the final seconds of the round, thrilling a record-setting crowd of over 17,000 attendees.

“[Conor McGregor] grabbed me by the back of my head, got real close to me, looked into my eyes, and said, “The world stage—everybody in the world is watching you.” And that’s all he needed to say to me. I’m never going to forget that because it’s my time now, and I have to make the most of it.”

After his victory, Garbarino created another unforgettable moment by proposing to his long-time girlfriend in the ring. Following an emotional speech, he dropped to one knee with a ring in hand, and she accepted, drawing cheers from the crowd and going viral online. This heartfelt gesture capped off an already memorable night.

On Conor McGregor, speaking to LowKickMMA’s Danny Podolsky in an interview, Johnny Garbarino said:

“I think he loved it. He tweeted me the night of the fight, the day after, and even today he put me on his Facebook. Between the cannoli and the fight, I looked right at him after I got the win and proposed to my girl. He was like, “I don’t know which part was the best for him,” but it was pretty cool. I think I left a mark—made a big impression. Yeah, I mean, I think I’m his favorite fighter right now”

Garbarino’s week leading up to the fight also drew attention. At the weigh-in, he offered Conor McGregor a cannoli, showcasing his playful personality and connection to his Italian-American heritage. McGregor, who was ringside during the event and later praised Garbarino’s performance and proposal on social media, described it as “magical” and applauded his skill and showmanship.

“I think a lot of these other fighters, after they get a big win, they see him as the money guy, a money grab, and they want to have a money fight. I’m not into that. I’d rather be friends with the guy. Why wouldn’t you want to do business with someone like that? He’s a very successful person, and he’s a nice guy.”