Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), co-owned by Conor McGregor, recently announced the signing of a former UFC fighter released from the promotion in connection with the James Krause controversy.
Krause allegedly was part of a sports betting fraud scheme, which came to light after UFC Vegas 64. The Nevada State Athletic Commission cancelled his license soon after, and the UFC introduced laws preventing their fighters, their families, and coaches from betting on UFC events.
Conor McGregor Co-Owned Promotion Issues Clarification After Signing Tainted UFC Star
BKFC had announced the signing of Jeff Molina, who was suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission and the Nevada State Athletic Commission following the UFC Vegas 64 betting controversy.
The promotion, co-owned by Conor McGregor, has now reversed the decision.
“Yesterday’s announcement regarding Jeff Molina’s signing was premature. We respect the ABC’s current suspension and will honor their rules and suspensions,” the official statement on BKFC’s X handle read.
Yesterday’s announcement regarding Jeff Molina’s signing was premature. We respect the ABC’s current suspension and will honor their rules and suspensions.
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) April 30, 2025
Molina announced his intention to sign up with BKFC during his recent appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show. The promotion made the official announcement through an X post, which has since been deleted.
The 27-year-old is serving a three-year suspension and will only be eligible to compete on Nov. 5. The commission found him guilty of not disclosing the injury of Darrick Minner, his teammate who fought at UFC Vegas 64, and for placing illicit bets.
Molina entered the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series. He fought three times for the promotion, winning all at flyweight.
Dave Feldman Confident That Conor McGregor Will Fight in BKFC
McGregor has not fought since he broke his leg in the fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Though he was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303, McGregor withdrew due to injury.
Nonetheless, “The Notorious” has always flirted with the idea of a return to combat sports. Recently, the 36-year-old expressed interest in fighting Chandler after “Iron” lost to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
A few months before, McGregor faced off with Jeremy Stephens — “Lil’ Heathen” defeated Eddie Alvarez at BKFC Knucklemania vs. McGregor — and expressed interest in a bare-knuckle fight with Stephens. BKFC president Dave Feldman shared positive news about McGregor’s potential bare-knuckle fight back in January.
Appearing on the Ariel Helwani Hour shortly after Knucklemania V in Philadelphia, Feldman said: “He wants it. ‘I mean, you know, he says, ‘I have two fights left and then we’re going to do it. I’m definitely fighting here.’ He says it all the time, and he’s like, ‘Look, make the date, make the date.” I mean, it was awesome.”
Feldman shared that he can’t make fights for McGregor, who is signed with the UFC, as it would result in lawsuits. Still, he named Stephens and “Platinum” Mike Perry as ideal opponents for the Irishman.