Conor McGregor rival Jeremy Stephens pumped to be BKFC partners

The historical past books will present it. There’s no love misplaced between Jeremy Stephens and Conor McGregor.

Might McGregor’s addition to the BKFC possession group be the beginning of the attractive friendship? Effectively, possibly it’s not time to go that far. However the respect actually tasks from at the least one finish of the negotiating desk.

“It’s f*cking superior,” Stephens instructed MMA Junkie when talking of McGregor’s leaping on board with BKFC. “I really feel like he’s the Fertittas to the Dana White. He’s the cash behind the driving pressure. Something Conor touches, it’s gold. He brings a number of eyes to the model. One factor you’ll be able to say about him is you’ll be able to inform he actually believes on this inventive, psychotically-skilled BKFC, is de facto what it’s. I really feel like they’re going to begin signing actual, legit fighters who’re going to have a possibility to return over right here and actually do massive, massive enterprise right here in bareknuckle. I really feel he sees it the best way we see it. It’s a rising sport. You may’t actually fiddle. You’ve acquired to be actual inventive in your craft.”

Stephens is after all referring to Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, the monetary catalysts behind the rise of the UFC. David Feldman can be the White, in Stephens’ situation.

The match makes monetary sense, sure, but in addition appears to be an ideal branding alternative, as properly, Stephens defined. In a world filled with distinctive fist-fighters, McGregor blends proper into the BKFC mannequin.

“He comes from that sort of… over there in Eire, he’s type of a road man,” Stephens mentioned. “He’s powerful. I’m positive he’s been in some road fights.”

Stephens smiled as he continued, “Effectively, he has been. We noticed him hit an outdated man one time. So, he’s been in some road fights. He loves it, dude. It’s superior to see him behind this and writing these checks.”

It’s been almost a decade since “Who the fook is that man?” was exclaimed by McGregor in an all-time-memorable press convention second in 2016. The 2 continued their rivalry on social media within the years that adopted, however the public trash speak has largely fizzled since.

Because the BKFC possession addition, Stephens mentioned he hasn’t spoken to McGregor, who is thought to often direct message among the roster’s opponents with suggestions and concepts.

That would change, both on-line or in individual, as Stephens is about for his sophomore bareknuckle bout on Sept. 6 at BKFC 65 at Maverik Heart in Salt Lake Metropolis. There’s at all times an opportunity McGregor may very well be in attendance.

“Enterprise is enterprise. We’ll see the vibes when he will get there,” Stephens mentioned of how an encounter with McGregor might go. “I simply go based mostly on vibes. However as of proper now, he’s behind it. He’s writing the checks. He’s maintaining the enterprise afloat, so I’ve nothing however gratitude for that. Like I mentioned, Conor brings a number of eyes. I fought on the playing cards UFC 189, flying kneed Bermudez. These Irish followers had been among the greatest followers on this planet. They had been shopping for my household and I drinks and chanting all night time, singing, shutting the bar down. That was like that at 189 after I threw the flying knee. They’re the perfect followers on this planet. Conor (is a) massive title, massive eyes. Like I mentioned, massive, massive enterprise right here in bareknuckle.

Stephens (1-0) battles Bobby Taylor (6-2) in an effort to take care of the unbeaten skilled stint he started with a December debut victory vs. Jimmie Rivera. Followers ought to buckle up, in keeping with “Lil Heathen.”

“Quick arms, quick toes, ferocious head motion, expertise, psychotic expertise which might be paying the payments,” Stephens mentioned. “You’re going to see leisure. You’re going to see some blood. You’re going to see some gore.”