The history books will show it. Thereâs no love lost between Jeremy Stephens and Conor McGregor.
Could McGregorâs addition to the BKFC ownership group be the start of the beautiful friendship? Well, maybe itâs not time to go that far. But the respect certainly projects from at least one end of the negotiating table.
âItâs f*cking awesome,â Stephens told MMA Junkie when speaking of McGregorâs jumping on board with BKFC. âI feel like heâs the Fertittas to the Dana White. Heâs the money behind the driving force. Anything Conor touches, itâs gold. He brings a lot of eyes to the brand. One thing you can say about him is you can tell he really believes in this creative, psychotically-skilled BKFC, is really what it is. I feel like theyâre going to start signing real, legit fighters who are going to have an opportunity to come over here and really do big, big business here in bareknuckle. I feel he sees it the way we see it. Itâs a growing sport. You canât really mess around. Youâve got to be real creative in your craft.â
Stephens is of course referring to Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, the financial catalysts behind the rise of the UFC. David Feldman would be the White, in Stephensâ scenario.
The match makes financial sense, yes, but also seems to be a perfect branding opportunity, as well, Stephens explained. In a world full of unique fist-fighters, McGregor blends right into the BKFC model.
âHe comes from that type of⌠over there in Ireland, heâs kind of a street guy,â Stephens said. âHeâs tough. Iâm sure heâs been in some street fights.â
Stephens smiled as he continued, âWell, he has been. We saw him hit an old man one time. So, heâs been in some street fights. He loves it, dude. Itâs awesome to see him behind this and writing these checks.â
Itâs been nearly a decade since âWho the fook is that guy?â was exclaimed by McGregor in an all-time-memorable press conference moment in 2016. The two continued their rivalry on social media in the years that followed, but the public trash talk has largely fizzled since.
Since the BKFC ownership addition, Stephens said he hasnât spoken to McGregor, who is known to frequently direct message some of the rosterâs competitors with feedback and ideas.
That could change, either online or in person, as Stephens is set for his sophomore bareknuckle bout on Sept. 6 at BKFC 65 at Maverik Center in Salt Lake City. Thereâs always a chance McGregor could be in attendance.
âBusiness is business. Weâll see the vibes when he gets there,â Stephens said of how an encounter with McGregor could go. âI just go based on vibes. But as of right now, heâs behind it. Heâs writing the checks. Heâs keeping the business afloat, so I have nothing but gratitude for that. Like I said, Conor brings a lot of eyes. I fought on the cards UFC 189, flying kneed Bermudez. These Irish fans were some of the best fans in the world. They were buying my family and I drinks and chanting all night, singing, shutting the bar down. That was like that at 189 when I threw the flying knee. Theyâre the best fans in the world. Conor (is a) big name, big eyes. Like I said, big, big business here in bareknuckle.
Stephens (1-0) battles Bobby Taylor (6-2) in an effort to maintain the unbeaten professional stint he began with a December debut victory vs. Jimmie Rivera. Fans should buckle up, according to âLil Heathen.â
âFast hands, fast feet, ferocious head movement, skills, psychotic skills that are paying the bills,â Stephens said. âYouâre going to see entertainment. Youâre going to see some blood. Youâre going to see some gore.â
Fuck McGregor⌠Couldnât stand the way that alcoholic coke head treated Mike Perry after his loss to Jake Paul. Never apologized or anything for that awful tweet.
Above That McLaw
