Conor McGregor will forever hold a spot in his heart for the city of Boston. McGregor’s first fight in America took place in the summer of 2013 at Boston’s TD Garden, where he defeated Max Holloway. Two years later, McGregor scored a breakthrough TKO victory at the Garden, treating Dennis Siver like a punching bag amid his rapid ascension to superstardom. “I fought there twice and never got touched,” said McGregor. “The crowds were amazing. I love Boston.” There is constant speculation over whether McGregor will fight again, which last happened for the UFC in July 2021. It seems less likely now as McGregor, 36, dedicates time and resources to his political aspirations back in Ireland. But that does not mean he has removed himself from the fight scene. Fourteen months ago, McGregor joined Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship as a co-owner. Bare-knuckle fighting is exactly what it sounds like – a full-contact combat sport where fighters hit each other with their bare hands – and McGregor believes it is the future of combat sports. BKFC will be on display Friday in Connecticut, presenting a Fight Night event at Mohegan Sun. “The Mohegan Sun card is another sensational bare-knuckle event that (BKFC founder and president) David Feldman and his team have put together,” said McGregor. “For Boston combat sports fans, it’s a must-see event in person.” With its willingness to be more violent than other combat sports, BKFC is building itself into a significant commodity within the fight industry. And the addition of the former UFC champion as co-owner has significantly increased the brand’s notoriety. Though McGregor is not expected to be at Mohegan Sun on Friday, Feldman still anticipates another sellout. “Mohegan Sun has been a great home for us – the crowds keep getting bigger and bigger,” said Feldman, whose event is available on pay-per-view. “There’s a reason we’re growing in popularity, especially in New England. It’s the best thing you’ll ever see in combat sports. “And Boston will be next for us. Conor is huge there, so TD Garden is where we want to go.” Feldman revealed that the goal for BKFC is to hold an event in Boston within the next year. If that happens, expect McGregor to make his return to the city. “Two of my favorite NBA players, the Celtics’ Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, make Boston their home,” said McGregor. “Both are true warriors in the spirit of BKFC fighters, and they carried their team to glory last season. “I can’t wait until BKFC promotes an event in Boston. It’s one of the best fighting cities in the world.”