The fight between Kamaru Usman and Conor McGregor ends as Conor McGregor shifts his focus to his nearly $500 million investment.
The UFC has long been a stage for intense rivalries, even between fighters who aren’t in the same weight class. One of the most intriguing rivalries in recent memory has been the war of words between Conor McGregor and KaKamaru Usman.
However, the dynamic between the two fighters has taken an unexpected turn. In a recent interview with DAZN, Usman praised the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), a promotion that The man speaks the TRUTH and FACTS!”
This surprising exchange has left fans speculating about McGregor’s current priorities. Has “The Notorious” shifted his focus from fighting to fully embracing his role as a business mogul, or is this just
McGregor’s Growing Business Empire
Outside the Octagon, Conor McGregor has built a reputation as a savvy businessman. His most recent acquisition—a stake in BKFC valued at approximately $411 million—has elevated him to the status of co-owner with significant influence in the promotion. This move aligns with McGregor’s strategy of diversifying his portfolio and expanding his influence beyond the UFC.
McGregor’s decision to invest heavily in BKFC also reflects his ability to identify trends in combat sports. BKFC’s raw and brutal format has captured the attention of fans looking for something different, and McGregor’s involvement has added credibility to the promotion. With this investment, McGregor has cemented his position as a major player in the business side of combat sports.
As McGregor prepares for a potential return to boxing—possibly against Logan Paul—his business ventures appear to take precedence over an immediate return to the UFC. Meanwhile, Kamaru Usman is reportedly in talks for his own comeback to the Octagon in 2024, further signaling divergent paths for the two fighters.
The Future of “The Notorious” in the UFC
McGregor’s absence from the UFC since his ankle injury at UFC 264 in 2021 has fueled ongoing speculation about his future in the sport. While McGregor has repeatedly hinted at a comeback, a combination of injuries, legal issues, and delays has kept him sidelined. Despite these challenges, McGregor has teased fans with his desire to return, either in boxing or MMA.
However, former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub believes McGregor’s UFC career may already be over. Speaking on his podcast, The Fighter and the Kid, Schaub said, “He [McGregor] posts a bunch of random nonsense. To me, that signals the UFC might be done with Conor. He would need UFC approval to retire or to fight elsewhere, so Dana White might just be saying, ‘We’re good, man.’”
Schaub’s comments have resonated with some fans who view McGregor’s recent actions—such as his focus on BKFC and potential boxing matches—as signs that he’s distancing himself from the UFC. Others, however, argue that McGregor’s return is inevitable, given his competitive nature and his ability to draw massive pay-per-view numbers.
What’s Next for Conor McGregor?
As McGregor’s business ventures flourish, his fighting career remains uncertain. Fans are divided over whether McGregor will return to the Octagon or continue to prioritize his investments. His potential boxing match with Logan Paul has further complicated the narrative, as it could delay or even replace a UFC comeback.
If McGregor does return to the UFC, the question remains: Who would he fight? Options range from long-standing rivals like Nate Diaz to fresh challenges like Michael Chandler. Meanwhile, Kamaru Usman continues to plot his own return, potentially setting the stage for the former welterweight king to make waves in 2024.
For now, McGregor’s focus on his $411 million BKFC investment and his surprising reconciliation with Kamaru Usman suggest that “The Notorious” is in no rush to finalize his next UFC chapter. Whether he’s moving away from fighting for good or simply biding his time, one thing is certain: Conor McGregor remains one of the most polarizing and influential figures in combat sports.
