Conor McGregor risks wrath of Dana White after becoming part-owner in UFC rival company
CONOR McGREGOR has risked the wrath of UFC boss Dana White by becoming a part-owner in a rival promotion.
McGregor announced a partnership with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship having previously sponsored them.
He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, the huge announcement that I have for you today, Conor McGregor myself and McGregor Sports and Entertainment is now an owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships.
“Welcome to the big leagues. David Feldman, baby, we did it.”
BKFC have welcomed several former UFC stars over to their roster, including ex-champions Mike Perry, 32, and Luke Rockhold, 39.
But founder David Feldman has always talked down a rift with UFC president White and recently met up with the MMA powerbroker.
Although it remains to be seen how McGregor’s announcement could rock the boat.
Feldman was asked about how White would feel about the UFC’s biggest star teaming up with a competitor.
And he said: “Listen, Dana White has a juggernaut with the UFC.
“Conor McGregor certainly moves the needle for them, but he’s very successful without [McGregor] — not that he’s fighting for us.
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“I’m just saying, but as him promoting our product for us? Who knows?
“You’re probably a little mad, your No. 1 star is going to talk about a different company, so you’re probably not very happy about it.
“But he’s not worried about us.”
McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout became a sponsor of BKFC before he announced his official partnership.
Feldman said: “We had some unbelievable conversations, some great ideas already exchanging.
“It was funny, I was telling my wife, ‘I was dying for Conor McGregor to call me and now the guy won’t stop calling me.’ It’s unbelievable.
“But he is so excited about this thing. I really think it takes it to the next level.”