Watch: Conor McGregor steals limelight at BKFC event

Internet has a mixed reaction to Conor McGregor's antics at a press conference for BKFC KnuckleMania 5.

Conor McGregor made waves during the BKFC KnuckleMania 5 press conference on Thursday, arriving late and delivering a theatrical performance that left fans and critics talking.

Held at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, the event showcased the fighters ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated bare-knuckle boxing event at the Wells Fargo Center.

The headlining bout features former UFC stars Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens. Alvarez, a Philadelphia native and former UFC lightweight champion, will face Stephens in a clash that BKFC president David Feldman and McGregor, a part-owner of the promotion, described as a fight with world title implications.

McGregor’s unconventional appearance

Known for his unpredictable behaviour, McGregor arrived late, unapologetically proclaiming, “I’m the big boss around here.” The Irishman continued with a dramatic address, invoking the “gods of fighting” and urging the fighters to honour Philadelphia’s storied combat history.

“May our combatants’ knuckles turn to knives, and may we bleed in honour of Philadelphia’s fighting legacy,” McGregor declared, hyping the event while expressing firm support for Alvarez. He called on the hometown hero to “shut this man [Stephens] up” and deliver a performance worthy of the city’s fighting tradition.

Internet reactions

McGregor’s antics quickly became the centre of attention online, overshadowing much of the fight card.

Fans and critics alike debated his outlandish statements, with some praising his ability to generate buzz for BKFC and others questioning whether his behaviour detracts from the fighters’ skills and the sport’s legitimacy.

On X, many users were left wondering whether Conor McGregor was sober during his appearance.

Other criticisms were more serious in nature, with some users commenting on McGregor's supposed 'fall from grace' as a former UFC Lightweight Champion.

While his presence undoubtedly draws attention to BKFC, critics pointed out the challenges the promotion faces in competing with traditional MMA organisations.

Fighters and stakes

The main event isn’t the only draw for KnuckleMania 5. The 10-fight card features BKFC heavyweight champion Mick Terrill defending his title against Ben Rothwell, a veteran of 53 MMA bouts with a 3-0 record in bare-knuckle boxing.

On the women’s side, Taylor Starling and Bec Rawlings are both seeking redemption, with Starling having lost three of her last four fights and Rawlings on a three-fight skid.

What’s next

BKFC KnuckleMania 5 takes place 25 January at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, marking the organisation’s debut in the city. The event, streaming exclusively on DAZN, is being touted as the city’s largest combat sports event to date.

As the fighters prepare to step into the ring, all eyes will be on Alvarez and Stephens, with McGregor’s involvement adding an unpredictable layer of intrigue. Whether his appearance signals a deeper commitment to BKFC remains to be seen, but for now, the spotlight is firmly on the bare-knuckle spectacle in Philadelphia.