Featured Image Credit: Happy Punch
Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC, Eddie Alvarez
Luke Davies
Conor McGregor made a bizarre appearance at the BKFC press conference yesterday and fans were left baffled after footage emerged.
McGregor, 36, is known for his entrances to both the ring and press conferences in the build-up to fights.
But on Thursday, he made an appearance at the BKFC KnuckleMania 5 press conference in Philadelphia.
The Irishman is a part owner of the bare-knuckle fight promotion and had teased that he would be appearing at the presser.
However, the event went on for over an hour before the former UFC champion eventually rocked up.
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In typical McGregor fashion, he appeared on stage and began speaking to the crowd at the Xcite Center.
“Sorry I’m late, I don’t give a f*ck,” McGregor exclaimed.
“I’m the big boss around here. Philadelphia, what’s up? I’m here to summon the Gods of fighting to action.
"May they turn our combatants’ knuckles to knives.
“On Saturday night, may we all bleed in the honor of Philadelphia’s rich fighting history. May we as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships organization, the alien of combat sports, rise above the night sky and rain down blows viciously and prove our worth against any deniers.”
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Of course, McGregor’s former opponent Eddie Alvarez is set to take on Jeremy Stephens at the KnuckleMania 5 event on Saturday evening.
McGregor has history with both men. In November 2016, he knocked out Alvarez, 41, in the second round of their lightweight title bout, which crowned McGregor as the first-ever simultaneous two-weight world champion in UFC history.
While he hasn’t fought Stephens, 38, fans will remember his iconic exchange at the UFC 205 press conference. The 38-year-old called out McGregor who dismissed him by replying “Who the f**k is that guy” which entertained the crowd.
Now, the MMA landscape is almost entirely different compared to 2016. McGregor has not fought since sustaining a devastating loss against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
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And fans have been left baffled by his antics on Thursday, with several taking to social media to give their thoughts.
One said: "He doesn't have the draw or buzz anymore. He's just a loud mouth living off of his past success. Still showing up late with no respect for others but thinks he owns the moment."
Another was more complimentary, they added: "That was epic , just sayin."
A third explained: "His energy used to hit different before."
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While a fourth stressed: "Conor McGregor's post-fighting career was always going to involve a microphone because that’s truly what he was made to do."