Is Conor McGregor right about BKFC? Breaking down if bare-knuckle is a better option than the PFL for ex-UFC fighters [Opinion]

BKFC has arisen as one of the most surprising promotions in combat sports, bringing life to a once-dead sport in bare-knuckle boxing. Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor has opined that the promotion is the worthiest destination for ex-UFC fighters looking to ply their trade elsewhere.

He even singled out the PFL as a subpar option, despite its attempts to enthrone itself as a co-leader in MMA. So, the question has been asked. Is Conor McGregor right in his assessment or is it just marketing bluster from a man trying to generate hype for a promotion of which he happens to be a part-owner?

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BKFC vs. the PFL

There are several factors to consider when comparing BKFC to the PFL. It's certainly not a better destination than the likes of ONE Championship, which has a level of prestige surpassed only by the UFC, especially given the sheer variety that it offers: kickboxing, grappling, Muay Thai, and MMA.

It also crowned the first three-division champion in a major MMA promotion. So, what of the PFL and BKFC? The PFL has poured a tremendous amount of effort into building itself into a co-leader in MMA. It signed ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who never lost the title inside the octagon.

It also signed Jake Paul in an attempt to capitalize on the latter's popularity, including French sensation Cedric Doumbe. Moreover, it is serving as a platform for boxers determined to break into MMA, like the great Claressa Shields and her arch-rival Savannah Marshall.

The promotion is also home to MMA great Cris Cyborg. However, the rest of the supporting cast in the promotion is severely lacking. Meanwhile, BKFC has found a star in Mike Perry, whose appeal has been enough to draw the attention of former UFC champions like Luke Rockhold and Eddie Alvarez.

It also briefly drew the attention of Chad Mendes, a multi-time UFC title challenger. Now, with Conor McGregor as a part-owner, BKFC has achieved a level of appeal with which the PFL will find difficulty contending. This is especially true given that the PFL has been snubbed by both 'The Notorious' and Nate Diaz.

The Stockton star referred to the promotion as being part of the minor leagues. Those are two of the biggest stars in MMA. However, that isn't to say that BKFC hasn't been snubbed either, most notably by ex-UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and one-time welterweight title challenger Darren Till.

It is also worth noting that the PFL has inherited the entire Bellator roster but has since lost Yoel Romero to BKFC. Additionally, the PFL's management of its fighters has come into question following Cyborg's public lashing of the promotion. However, there is no doubting the PFL's expansion with the help of the Saudis.

Financially, both promotions are extremely top-heavy. The PFL offered Ngannou a historic contract, while BKFC reportedly paid Perry $1.1 million in just his fourth fight, while he made a combined $1.3 million after 15 UFC fights. The harsh truth is that neither promotion is financially viable for the bulk of their rosters.

Established stars coming from other promotions get the red-carpet treatment, but those climbing the rankings receive far less. There is also the difference in sports, with MMA receiving more mainstream recognition, while bare-knuckle boxing is still a niche sport associated with unflattering stereotypes.

It hasn't received any proper mainstream attention and is unlikely to. Bare-knuckle boxing is not a new sport and has struggled to gain attention in the shadow of professional boxing, as it will always be regarded as the lesser, unrefined variant, often with exports from other sports.

In short, McGregor may have some years of work ahead before his assessment of the promotion in relation to the PFL proves true.