Photo by Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

Conor McGregor celebrates convincing UFC legend to come out of retirement for BKFC fight

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 9:49 AM ET

Conor McGregor likes what he’s seeing from one of BKFC’s most anticipated events on the calendar. The event is set for October 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Perry was linked to several other potential opponents before Stephens got the nod, showing just how much BKFC wanted to stack this card. Perry was linked to several other potential opponents before Stephens got the nod, showing just how much BKFC wanted to stack this card.

McGregor also had high praise for another addition, a legend who came out of retirement — someone McGregor could have faced during his time in UFC.

Conor McGregor reacts as Frankie Edgar signs with BKFC

On August 18, Ariel Helwani reported that Frankie Edgar has ended his retirement to sign with BKFC.

Edgar’s last fight came in 2022 when he wrapped up a remarkable career despite finishing on three straight knockout defeats at bantamweight.

According to Helwani, Edgar is expected to face former UFC bantamweight Jimmie Rivera, though the bout still needs approval from the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board.

TWO OF THE BADDEST MEN IN BKFC WILL HEADLINE OUR JERSEY DEBUT! PERRY vs STEPHENS – VIOLENCE GUARANTEED!#BKFC82 | Oct 4 | Tix presale begins 8/18, full onsale 8/19 at https://t.co/LJX5urGkRW ️ pic.twitter.com/lIwboyiKDY
— Bare Knuckle FC (@bareknucklefc) August 13, 2025

There are plenty of fans who have doubts about the comeback. Even so, having a name like Edgar return is still a big moment for BKFC, especially for an event taking place in New Jersey.

The two world title fights already set for the event had McGregor excited. After they were announced, he posted about how much he likes the addition of Frankie Edgar to the card.

Conor McGregor once said he offered to fight Frankie Edgar on short notice, but the UFC wasn’t interested

Back in 2018, Frankie Edgar was set to challenge Max Holloway for the featherweight belt at UFC 222. But when Holloway pulled out due to injury, the fight fell through.

McGregor posted on Instagram that he had put his name forward to step in and fight Edgar, despite not having fought since November 2016.