The MMA community witnessed a spectacular display of bare-knuckle fighting prowess at BKFC 74, where Josh Dyer claimed the light-heavyweight championship in a brutal encounter with Mike Richman. UFC superstar Conor McGregor, a partial owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for the violence that unfolded in the octagon on May 12, 2025.
McGregor’s enthusiastic reaction to BKFC title bout carnage
Conor McGregor took to social media with unbridled excitement following Josh Dyer’s victory over Mike Richman at BKFC 74. The Irish fighting legend shared his thoughts through an impassioned Instagram Story, celebrating Dyer’s performance with characteristic McGregor flair. The former two-division UFC champion praised Dyer’s aggressive fighting style, describing the new light-heavyweight champion as a “nasty vindictive piece of work.”
McGregor’s enthusiasm for bare-knuckle fighting has been evident since he became a part owner of BKFC. Despite uncertainty surrounding his own fighting future, The Notorious has consistently shown support for the promotion’s events. His partnership with BKFC represents his expanding business portfolio beyond his successful Proper Twelve whiskey brand.
The UFC star’s commentary didn’t stop at celebrating the new champion. McGregor used the platform to fire shots at Mike Perry, claiming BKFC had created a “fake belt” for him and asserting Perry had never been a legitimate bare-knuckle world champion. His social media rant included direct challenges, encouraging Dyer to “call them all out” and “go outside the sphere.”
Here’s how McGregor’s involvement with BKFC has evolved:
- Initial investment and partial ownership of the promotion
- Regular social media support for major BKFC events
- Personal relationships with fighters across the organization
- Ongoing promotion of the sport to his massive following
Respect for Richman’s warrior spirit despite gruesome injury
While celebrating Dyer’s championship victory, McGregor also showed profound respect for the defeated champion, Mike Richman. The former light-heavyweight title holder suffered catastrophic facial damage during the fight, with commentator Ben Davis describing Richman’s face as having “exploded” in a social media post following the bout.
McGregor paid tribute to Richman’s courage, noting his background as a US Marine and praising his willingness to “go out on his shield” in defense of his title. The Irishman shared a graphic image of Richman’s injuries, describing him as a “bad motherf—er” who had “seen bodies and turned them into bodies too.”
The extent of Richman’s injuries highlighted the extreme nature of bare-knuckle fighting. Unlike gloved combat sports, BKFC exposes fighters to heightened risks of facial lacerations, broken bones, and severe tissue damage. This brutal reality is precisely what attracts certain fighters and fans to the sport, including McGregor himself.
| Fighter | Result | Notable Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Richman | Lost Light-Heavyweight Title | Severe facial trauma |
| Josh Dyer | Won Light-Heavyweight Title | Minor cuts |
Richman’s willingness to continue fighting despite his gruesome injuries exemplifies the warrior mentality celebrated in combat sports. For McGregor, this represents the ultimate expression of fighting spirit, something he has consistently valued throughout his own career.
The growing appeal of bare-knuckle fighting
McGregor’s investment in BKFC reflects the growing mainstream appeal of bare-knuckle boxing. Once considered too extreme for widespread acceptance, the sport has gained legitimacy through organized promotions and sanctioning in several jurisdictions. The raw, unfiltered nature of bare-knuckle combat attracts fans seeking authentic fighting experiences beyond the more regulated environments of boxing and MMA.
The BKFC 74 main event between Dyer and Richman showcased exactly why the sport continues to gain popularity. The visceral impact of ungloved strikes, the heightened risk of cuts, and the stripped-down rule set create a unique spectacle that resonates with combat sports enthusiasts.
The dramatic moments of the championship bout included:
- Dyer’s relentless offensive pressure against the champion
- Richman’s face gradually deteriorating under ungloved strikes
- The champion’s refusal to quit despite mounting damage
- The ultimate championship changing hands in spectacular fashion
McGregor’s personal endorsement of BKFC adds considerable marketing power to the promotion. His social media following of millions ensures that even casual fight fans become aware of major BKFC events, helping the organization expand its audience beyond hardcore combat sports enthusiasts.
As the boundaries between various combat sports continue to blur, McGregor’s cross-promotional interest in BKFC represents the potential future of fighting entertainment. The UFC star’s enthusiasm for bare-knuckle boxing demonstrates how fighters and promoters increasingly view combat sports as an interconnected ecosystem rather than isolated disciplines.
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