Perry and Stephens headline BKFC 82 in Newark, New Jersey this weekend, which will be shown live on DAZN. Like Perry and McGregor, Stephens has competed in the UFC, last fighting with the organisation in May.

Speaking at the press conference promoting the fight, McGregor bellowed: “Michael Perry, the king of violence, making his return. You know what’s at stake, Michael, if you don’t perform, you’re gone!”

Perry has racked up a record of 5-0 since joining BKFC in 2022, with his last three wins all coming by way of technical knockout. As a professional boxer Perry has lost both of his contests, including a 2024 defeat to Jake Paul.

McGregor added: “You can go back to those exhibition bouts, and those Misfits who put on the big gloves. We’ll part ways. Then who are you against - you’re against Jeremy Stephens. Who the f*** is that guy?”

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McGregor was referencing a quote of his about Stephens that went viral in 2016, when the-then UFC lightweight champion responded incredulously to an interjection at a press conference from the American fighter.

Over the years McGregor and Stephens have exchanged further words, whilst offering to fight each other in BKFC. Stephens is currently 3-0 with BKFC, debuting with the promotion in 2023.

“The hardest hitting 145-pounder (Stephens),” continued McGregor. “They’re both angling for a fight with the big boss - me. I’ll fight the both of them at the same f***ing time. I’m the big boss, baby. Long live the Notorious.” 

McGregor has made numerous references to fighting in BKFC after seeing out the last two fights of his UFC contract. The Irishman has not fought inside the Octagon since 2021, when he lost a second successive fight to Dustin Poirier.

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