It sounds like Conor McGregor will have to earn a BKFC debut.

The biggest star in MMA could become a free agent in 2027, as his UFC contract approaches its final bout.

McGregor’s injury loss against Max Holloway at UFC 329 this past July marked the penultimate fight on his current deal. The Irishman had expressed interest in re-signing, but his latest comments outlined a new plan.

‘The Notorious’ intends to lay down his gloves inside the Octagon and announce a crossover to bare-knuckle boxing. The promotion in which he plans to compete, however, needs to see something first.

Pick Conor McGregor’s final UFC opponent…

'Notorious' plans to explore free agency after fighting out his current contract

BKFC founder David Feldman says Conor McGregor ‘must look good’ in his last UFC fight to earn a bare-knuckle debut

While the idea of the UFC letting its biggest name venture to other organizations seems unfeasible, there has reportedly been no effort so far to extend the former two-division champion’s contract.

With that in mind, McGregor plans to have his “last dance” at International Fight Week in 2027 to complete his deal and secure the freedom to pick his next step.

Although it sounds like he already has his sights on competing in BKFC, a promotion he is a part-owner of, David Feldman says that hinges on his performance next time out.

“Obviously he has to look good in this (next UFC) fight,” the BKFC founder and president said during a recent interview with talkSPORT.

“That’s a big key. If something crazy happened, like what happened in his last fight, then I don’t think a lot of people would be excited.

“But if he comes out there and has a good fight, a very good fight, win or lose doesn’t matter, everybody’s going to be excited about Conor McGregor taking his gloves off,” he added.

Speaking to Bloody Elbow following McGregor’s latest comeback comments, Feldman once again predicted that the Irishman’s last UFC bout won’t mark his final combat sports outing altogether.

The Dubliner vowed to break records and outperform Canelo Alvarez’s recent match, hinting at making one final effort to sell a fight he’s featuring in.

Feldman did not perceive that as hint that he could retire in 2027.

“I think that’s a big possibility (fighting in BKFC). Look, Conor says different things a lot. His feelings change.

“Maybe he saw the numbers that Canelo did and he said, ‘I’m gonna do one more fight because I’m gonna show everybody how big my numbers can be.’ I don’t think it was he really doesn’t want to fight anymore.

“Maybe he doesn’t. Look, fighting is no joke. You put a lot of time, effort, and wear-and-tear on your body and mind.

“I don’t think that (will be) his last fight.”

McGregor’s current focus will be on recovering from the knee injury that brought a quick end to his return fight at International Fight Week.

From there, he and the UFC will attempt to pick the perfect opponent for his last fight, provided no contract extension is agreed upon.