Usyk vs McGregor: could the heavyweight king face the UFC legend in a bare-knuckle fight?
Although ‘The Cat’ is focused on defending his undisputed heavyweight crown in a rematch with Tyson Fury, he’s open to a bare-knuckle clash with the Irishman.
Oleksandr Usyk is one of the most charismatic and admired fighters in boxing and he’s starting to be considered on the all-time boxing greats’ list.
The Ukrainian fighter made history in May by defeating Tyson Fury via split decision and becoming the first undisputed heavyweight king since the four-belt era.
After the mega fight, both men agreed to meet again, making effective their rematch clause on their contracts, and will share the ring on December 21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After defeating Anthony Joshua twice, Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist could think about new challenges once he fights Fury for a second time, especially if he beats him again. And that’s when the name of Conor McGregor emerges.
Could Usyk take on McGregor in bare-knuckle?
The undefeated Usyk (22-0, 14 KOs) is 37 and knows he won’t be in boxing much longer. The Ukrainian champion could even decide to hang up the gloves after he fights Fury in December.
After a potential boxing retirement, Usyk seems keen on fighting beyond his boxing career in different events and a boxing matchup against McGregor is an attractive idea for the former undisputed cruiserweight champion.
A fight with the former simultaneous double UFC champion could be a real possibility, as McGregor is a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) part owner.
Although The Notorious is expected to return to the octagon in the upcoming months to face Michael Chandler in a much-anticipated fight, he’s already thinking of other interesting events, and a fight with Usyk would be welcome.
Usyk’s sports director, Sergey Lapin, contacted McGregor on Instagram. “Hey bro, Conor McGregor! First Oleksandr Usyk has to retire Tyson Fury, but our team is ready to make something great together with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. Let’s talk”, he said.
“Usyk in bare knuckle!”, McGregor replied.
Lapin didn’t hold back in an interview and stated Usyk could go down in weight to make the fight possible or even consider an MMA contest.
“He’s proven he’s the best of his generation and, once he’s retired Tyson Fury, he will consider his options. Maybe that’s dropping down in weight again, or maybe there’s a wildcard option on the table for him; be it in the boxing ring, the MMA cage, or even Conor McGregor’s Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship”, he added.
Although Usyk may be thinking beyond his boxing career, the Ukrainian wants to beat Fury again and remain -or possibly retire- undefeated. A defeat to the Briton could change his plans and a trilogy could happen between both men.