BKFC KnuckleMania 4 was another successful event for the bare-knuckle boxing promotion. A huge announcement was made during the event. Former UFC multi-divisional champion Conor McGregor bought a part-ownership in the promotion. The announcement received much fanfare as McGregor extended his sporting empire.
“’The Notorious’ Conor McGregor here,” said the Irish fighter as a video of him was shown during the event. “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 Championship. Welcome to the big leagues. [BKFC President] David Feldman, baby, we did it.”
Conor McGregor and McGregor Sports and Entertainment is now an owner of BKFC.pic.twitter.com/KkovV3vq0j
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 28, 2024
What also caught the attention of some of the fans is the presence of two of McGregor’s rivals in BKFC. Artem Lobov and Paulie Malignaggi, who have both faced hostility against McGregor, are employees of the promotion.
Fans expect the end of Artem Lobov and Paulie Malignaggi in BKFC after Conor McGregor’s announcement
Former pro boxer and bare-knuckle boxer Paulie Malignaggi is now an analyst at the BKFC. He was involved in a beef with McGregor. A recent video also shows McGregor insulting Malignaggi as he speaks on the mic during the event and the UFC fighter watches it on his TV.
Artem and Paulie are fired 😮💨
— raxywoufb (@Raxy_wou) April 28, 2024
Artem Lobov, a Russian fighter, was involved in a long-term beef with McGregor. Several fans implied that this might be the end of both the fighters in the promotion. One fan wrote, “Artem and Paulie are fired.” Another fan wrote, “Artem Lobov you are now unemployed.” A third fan wrote, “Conor McGregor purchased BKFC just to fire Artem Lobov.”
Conor McGregor purchased BKFC just to fire Artem Lobov 😭 pic.twitter.com/8pf6tQQVdZ
— UFCStats💭 (@TheUFCStats) April 28, 2024
As of now, it is still unknown what percentage of the promotion McGregor owns. However, it is confirmed that TrillerNet is still the majority owner of the promotion.
BKFC was founded by David Feldman in 2018. The Philadelphia-based promotion has held over 80 events in multiple countries. In just around six years, the promotion has reached new heights, and the addition of someone like McGregor, who is well-known around the world, will only help the promotion reach further ahead.
It is unlikely that the addition of McGregor could cause a problem for his rivals. The UFC fighter is a shrewd businessman who would not let personal problems affect business. Let’s take a look at where his problems lie with Lobov and Malignaggi.
Conor McGregor’s feuds with Paulie Malignaggi and Artem Lobov explained
Artem Lobov is a former friend and training partner of Conor McGregor. Lobov and McGregor became adversaries in court last year. According to Lobov, McGregor’s Proper 12 alcohol venture was Lobov’s idea.
According to the Irish Independent, Proper 12 was sold to Proximo Spirits for $600 million in 2021. The Mirror states that Lobov has demanded 5% of McGregor’s proceeds from the sale of Proper 12. McGregor called Lobov a “rat“. The case is still ongoing in the courts of Ireland.
Artem Lobov is suing life-long friend Conor McGregor over Proper No. Twelve whiskey.
Lobov initiated High Court action on Tuesday and claims he had agreement to 5% of McGregor’s portion of the sale of Proper No. Twelve.
Artem allegedly came up with the idea. pic.twitter.com/iNrcHpLOPe
— Lewis Simpson (@LewisSimpsonMMA) November 23, 2022
When it comes to Malignaggi, McGregor used to be sparring partners with him as well. The Irishman brought in Malignaggi to train with him before facing Floyd Mayweather. McGregor allegedly knocked down the former two-division boxing world champion and released the video. Malignaggi was livid and left the camp soon after. He defended himself claiming there was no knockdown but he was pushed.
Since then, Malignaggi has not left out any opportunity to slam McGregor. He even wanted to fight the Irishman but in 2019, he got the chance to fight Lobov, who was a friend of McGregor then. Lobov defeated Malignaggi via unanimous decision at BKFC 6.