Conor McGregor teases fulfilling Dana White’s biggest regret: “Hey Fedor, we’re waiting!”
BKFC owner Conor McGregor talks about potentially signing Fedor Emelianenko, something that Dana White tried and failed.
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Conor McGregor plans to fulfill dream signing of Fedor Emelianenko ahead of Dana White (via Imago/X)
Conor McGregor has been pretty busy promoting BKFC, a promotion that he partly owns. The former UFC double champion wants to become the best in the business, which means going against UFC CEO Dana White. Recent developments with BKFC have suggested big plans which could be one of the few first steps towards the ultimate goal.
As usual, Conor McGregor made sure to create an electrifying atmosphere at the BKFC Italy press conference. The ‘Notorious’ confirmed that he will definitely make his BKFC debut in the future. On top of that, the Irish fighter also announced potentially signing the heavyweight MMA GOAT candidate Fedor Emelianenko.
Fedor Emelianenko? Stay tuned, we might have an announcement with Fedor Emelianenko. Hey, Fedor. We’re waiting. Some news might be coming with Fedor Emelianenko.
Conor McGregor via BKFC Italy Press conference
McGregor expressed that BKFC plans to acquire the best fighters in the world from all eras. Any other details about the signing are yet to be made, but it seems like both parties are still negotiating. Emelianenko retired from MMA in 2023 when he got knocked out by Ryan Bader at Bellator 290.
Conor McGregor: Hey Fedor, we're waiting. pic.twitter.com/zKX7OWvbI2
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 16, 2025
Since then, the Russian fighter has remained away from the limelight, and was recently seen posing with Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. The former Bellator heavyweight champion has fought in many top promotions like StrikeForce and Rizin, but never in the UFC. It seems like what Dana White failed to do, McGregor can make it happen in the future.
Dana White reacts to not signing Fedor Emelianenko in UFC
Fedor Emelianenko dominated MMA and Pride FC’s heavyweight division with a 10-year unbeaten streak, defeating elite fighters across styles. Mirko Cro Cop, Mark Hunt, and Quinton Jackson are some of the biggest wins of his career. His well-rounded skills – elite sambo, striking, and submissions made him dangerous everywhere, against strikers and grapplers alike.
Emelianenko’s calm demeanor, durability, and fighting IQ helped him win against top challengers. Despite being undersized, he overcame larger opponents with technique, speed, and relentless pressure. After his retirement in 2023, Dana White had talked about the fighter in a presser.
I don’t dislike Fedor or anything like that. It didn’t happen. We gave it a shot. You can’t say we didn’t try. We gave it a shot, and it is what it is.
Dana White via UFC Press conference
In the same interview, White managed to question Emelianenko’s heavyweight GOAT status. According to the 55-year-old, Fedor Emelianenko’s resume doesn’t support the narrative about him. Most fans, however, don’t share the same opinion about the legendary fighter.
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