Conor McGregor and Mike Perry are two faces of the same coin. Bombastic, unpredictable, and the names that run their respective promotions. The Irishman is of course the part-owner of BKFC and is doing everything to take the dance of violence to another level. Meanwhile, Perry has recently launched his Dirty Boxing Promotion and its first marquee event in the form of DBX 1. It is safe to say that the duo knows their game and how to mint that sweet green cash! However, their history has been a bit contentious. Do you remember the time when McGregor shamed and “fired” Perry from BKFC after his loss to Jake Paul in their eight-round cruiserweight boxing match at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on July 20, 2024?
The Irishman, clearly disappointed with Perry’s performance against ‘The Problem Child’, took to X and declared, “Hey Mike, you’re released.” But was Perry actually fired? Not really. In an interview with The Schmo, McGregor clarified his stance: “Mike [Perry] is fired, but we’re in negotiations. [Dave] ‘Redneck’ Mundell called him out.” So, the dramatic firing wasn’t serious—it was more promotional flair than final judgment.
Now, ‘The Notorious’ is calling him “back home.” Unbelievable, isn’t it? “He should come home. Mike should come home,” McGregor said during the BKFC 70 post-fight press conference. “He still shows love to the game, and we’ll always have love for Mike Perry for sure. And yeah, Mike and I would be a great fight for sure.”
‘Platinum’ didn’t ignore the heartfelt call—and he might return, especially since he still has three fights left on his contract. Speaking on the Overdogs podcast, Perry addressed McGregor’s call back and shared his perspective. He gave the Irishman props for his promotional genius, saying: “What a promoter, what a promoter. He’s like ‘Oh, Mike’s not going to come fight right now, so I’ll fire him. It’ll be hilarious.’ People just glaze him up all day for that. And then he’s like ‘You know what, Mike, come on back right before I get a fight contracted and I gotta come back.’Anyways! And making it look like he did it!”
This is when the co-host stated, “I saw a clip of him at BKFC and he’s in full promoter mode and he’s doing a great job. And he’s like ‘There’s no f—–g league even worth watching out there. I’m like he’s throwing shade at DBX.”
Now comes the surprising part! In a full 180-degree turn, the co-host revealed that after his promotional thing, the Irishman told one of DBX’s officials. “Hey man, Dirty Boxing you’ll kill it, loved it, y’all did a great job.” That’s McGregor the promoter in action. “Which is—the guy is a fu—-g genius when it comes to that. And it does take a genius when it comes to promotion, it does,” he added.
This transition reminds us of Dana White who also has a history of going this path for the sake of promotion and setting what’s best for business. And McGregor is clearly taking notes—and maybe writing his own chapter to transform his $400+ million dollar promotion to gold with faces like Perry.
December 3, 2022, ORLANDO, FL, ORLANDO, FL, United States: ORLANDO, FL – December 3: Mike Perry in attendance at Amway Center for UFC Orlando – Thompson vs Holland: Event on December 3, 2022, in ORLANDO, FL, United States. ORLANDO, FL United States – ZUMAp175 20221203_zsa_p175_111 Copyright: xLouisxGrassex
The UFC head honcho is known to be blunt and unapologetic with his words. And there are numerous instances where he’s threatened fighters and made it clear they’d be fired if they crossed a line. “If you work for me and you approach a judge or a referee or any type of official, I will fire you,” White conveyed during UFC Vegas 5 weigh-ins. This statement came in response to commentator Dan Hardy’s fierce tirade against referee Herb Dean. This is where White emphasized that such conduct with officials would not be tolerated.
However, White is clearly aware of what makes the fight business work. While he would take a harsh stance in public, the reality is quite different in the background. Remember the UFC 223 presser chaos where McGregor was arrested? The head honcho was adamant that the incident was shameful and a dark day for the promotion. However, this exact scenario was used to create buzz for UFC 229 which is by far the biggest event in the company’s history!
Similarly, McGregor decided to threaten Perry a little with the firing statement. Perry, who is considered to be the biggest star in BKFC, earned the title of ‘King of Violence’ after stopping Eddie Alvarez by TKO. In his recent fight, he finished UFC veteran Thiago Alves in the first round. Naturally, McGregor was asked about him during a recent BKFC press conference. And he decided to call the fighter back home as already mentioned.
Now the thing is. Since McGregor has decided to take on the hat of a promoter, just like his boss at UFC—what tactic is he taking from Dana White? The answer seems obvious: he’s mimicking White’s confrontational, power-asserting style. Whether it’s playfully threatening fighters or asserting control over the narrative, McGregor appears to be embracing that same commanding presence White is famous for.
Conor McGregor is on the ‘Dana White’ path to success
Conor McGregor’s contribution to the UFC has been nothing short of incredible. Not only did he become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously, but he also delivered some of the highest pay-per-view sales the sport has ever seen. With his charisma, knockout power, and relentless drive, McGregor helped catapult the UFC onto the global stage—never letting the promotion or its CEO, Dana White, down.
Now a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), McGregor has thrown himself into promoting the brand and expanding its global reach. Ahead of BKFC’s mega event in Dubai, McGregor sat down with BKFC News and shared what he’s learned from one of the most iconic promoters in sports—Dana White.
“It’s about the live action. I’m a protégé under the regime of Dana White. And we built the UFC into the largest sports franchise on planet Earth. So I’m very well-versed in what it takes—what it takes for an organization to be at the pinnacle. And what it takes is exciting live events, and there is no more exciting event. Live action, fast-paced—Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. People are here, jam-packed, from start to finish. It’s not—we don’t drag it on.”
Conor McGregor’s respect for Dana White is clear. White did the unthinkable—transforming the UFC from a struggling brand into a multi-billion dollar empire. Now, McGregor is determined to bring that same energy to BKFC. But with all his focus on promoting, what does that mean for his fighting career?
Fans continue to speculate whether he’ll make a return—and if so, when and against whom. Whether he’s promoting or fighting, one thing is certain. Conor McGregor remains one of the most influential and magnetic forces in combat sports.
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