Featured Image Credit: BKFC
Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC
Nasir Jabbar
Conor McGregor delivered an emotional message at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship press conference after making a major personal change.
McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC since his crushing defeat to Dustin Poirier back in July 2021.
Of course, he was supposed to return to action last year when he was matched against Michael Chandler.
But the 37-year-old was forced to withdraw from the main-event clash at UFC 303 due to an injury he sustained in training camp.
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McGregor, however, is hellbent on making his UFC comeback and has set his sights on the proposed UFC White House card, which is scheduled for June 14, 2026.
Despite worrying fans in a recent sit-down with Ariel Helwani, the Irishman is serious about his UFC return.
So much so, he has made a major personal change, having gone on a 'spiritual journey' over the past few weeks. He claims to have been saved and healed by God, reigniting his competitive drive.
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Speaking at a BKFC pre-fight press conference in Italy, McGregor said: “I am not here by chance, there is a higher power - God - that dictates my journey and all of our journeys. And I live my life by God’s word... I’ve engaged on a spiritual journey, and I’m saved, I am healed.
“On the back of that, the world is in for a treat," he added. "My competitive spark that was once in my heart is now a roaring blaze. So I’m very excited - I envy these men up here. They are right about to make weight... and do what they were called to do.
"As am I called to do it. I am eager to get back and right now I had to dial myself in and go inward - and that I’ve done. I’m very excited to come back my own self."
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BKFC founder Dave Feldman commended McGregor on 'making the kind the changes he had to make' in a poignant moment.
Feldman said: "A lot of people in the world need to make changes in their life and they don’t because they don't have the guts to, they don't have the balls to, they don't have the fortitude to. I want to take this time to take my hat off and commend Conor for making the kind of changes he had to make. It's not easy.
"You're going to see the best Conor McGregor you have ever seen when he returns to the Octagon."
Several names are in the mix to welcome McGregor back to the famed Octagon, including Chandler, who is still gunning for a shot against the Irishman.
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McGregor and Chandler were not only matched at UFC 303 but also coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter.
Charles Oliveira, who beat Mateusz Gamrot earlier this month, is also keen on facing the 'Notorious', calling it a 'money fight'.
There are also the likes of Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje and Rafael Fiziev, who are all without an opponent.