The Irish fighter’s ambitions extended far beyond the boxing ring following his lucrative encounter with Floyd Mayweather in 2017. Conor McGregor’s eagerness to return to active competition led him to pursue an unexpected opportunity that would have marked a significant moment in mixed martial arts history. His post-Mayweather mindset revealed a hunger that contradicted critics who questioned his motivation after earning substantial financial rewards from the boxing spectacle.
McGregor’s rejected UFC comeback opportunity
The former two-division champion faced disappointment when the UFC declined his offer to step in as a replacement fighter in March 2018. McGregor had volunteered to face Frankie Edgar after Max Holloway withdrew from their scheduled featherweight title bout due to injury complications. This represented a golden opportunity for the Dublin native to silence doubters about his commitment to competition.
The UFC’s rejection stemmed from practical business considerations rather than competitive concerns. McGregor’s social media revelation exposed the promotion’s reasoning behind their decision. According to the fighter, UFC officials explained they wouldn’t have sufficient time to generate the financial returns typically associated with his appearances. This business-first approach frustrated McGregor, who expressed genuine excitement about the prospect of competing without the usual promotional fanfare.
Edgar’s title shot ultimately went to Brian Ortega, who capitalized on the opportunity by delivering a stunning first-round knockout. This outcome added another layer of intrigue to the potential matchup that never materialized. McGregor’s willingness to accept short-notice fights demonstrated his eagerness to return to active competition following the Mayweather payday.
| Fighter | Original Status | Final Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Max Holloway | Scheduled opponent | Withdrew due to injury |
| Conor McGregor | Replacement volunteer | Rejected by UFC |
| Brian Ortega | Final replacement | Won by first-round knockout |
BKFC connection and Edgar’s transition
Frankie Edgar’s recent signing with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship has rekindled interest in his potential connection with McGregor. The veteran fighter’s decision to join BKFC represents a significant career shift after concluding his UFC tenure in 2022. McGregor’s role as part-owner of BKFC since April 2024 positions him strategically within the promotion’s hierarchy.
Edgar’s transition to bare-knuckle boxing comes with considerable risk factors based on his recent fighting history. His final eight UFC appearances revealed concerning patterns regarding his durability and defensive capabilities. Five knockout losses in this stretch highlighted potential vulnerabilities that could be magnified in bare-knuckle competition.
The timing of Edgar’s BKFC debut creates interesting parallels with McGregor’s 2018 replacement offer. Both scenarios involve calculated risks and strategic positioning within combat sports. Edgar’s family expressed reservations about his return to competition, reflecting similar concerns that surrounded many of his recent UFC appearances.
Edgar’s declining durability concerns
The veteran’s vulnerability became increasingly apparent during his final UFC campaign. Edgar suffered devastating knockouts against multiple opponents, including Chris Gutierrez, Marlon Vera, and Cory Sandhagen. These defeats raised serious questions about his ability to absorb punishment effectively in his advanced fighting years.
His knockout loss to Brian Ortega in March 2018 marked a turning point in Edgar’s career trajectory. This defeat occurred during the same period when McGregor volunteered to face him as a replacement opponent. The irony of this timing adds complexity to their intertwined narratives within mixed martial arts history.
Edgar’s upcoming BKFC debut against Jimmie Rivera at the Prudential Center represents a significant test of his remaining competitive capabilities. The bare-knuckle format typically favors aggressive striking exchanges, which could expose Edgar’s defensive vulnerabilities even further. His decision to compete despite family concerns demonstrates his unwavering competitive spirit.
Strategic implications for McGregor’s BKFC involvement
McGregor’s ownership stake in BKFC creates unique opportunities for high-profile matchups and strategic business decisions. His interest in competing within the promotion aligns with his broader combat sports ambitions beyond traditional mixed martial arts. The potential for cross-promotional opportunities exists given his continued UFC contract status.
The financial success of his Mayweather encounter provides McGregor with leverage in negotiating future competition terms. His 2018 replacement offer demonstrated willingness to compete without extensive promotional campaigns, suggesting flexibility in his approach to fight selection. This adaptability could prove valuable in BKFC’s unique promotional environment.
Edgar’s presence in BKFC now creates an unexpected connection to McGregor’s previous ambitions. Their potential interaction within the promotion could fulfill the competitive matchup that never materialized in 2018. The promotional value of such a pairing would undoubtedly generate significant interest among combat sports enthusiasts who remember their near-miss encounter.
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