McGregor Reveals UFC Exit Plan and Bareknuckle Debut Timeline

Conor McGregor has revealed his plan for the final chapter of his fighting career, telling an audience in Rome that he intends to finish his UFC contract with one more fight before crossing over to bareknuckle boxing. The former two-division champion, who appeared at Hype Italy on Tuesday, said he would lay down his gloves in the Octagon for his final UFC bout — but not to retire. Instead, he plans to announce a bareknuckle debut immediately afterwards, with the organisation he co-owns the obvious destination. McGregor has one fight remaining on his UFC deal and had previously targeted International Fight Week in July 2027 for his farewell walk to the cage. That timeline depends on his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus suffered just 69 seconds into his rematch with Max Holloway at UFC 329 in July. He has since undergone surgery and is expected to be out until at least next summer. If that recovery goes to plan, a bareknuckle debut could follow in late 2027. For now, the plan remains conditional on his knee healing, but McGregor has rarely been short of a next act — and this one would be among his boldest yet.