Conor McGregor has revealed his coaching method for a possible naked knuckle combating debut, using a conventional conditioning method that entails soaking his fingers in petrol. The previous UFC champion defined his desire for smaller gloves and naked knuckle fight throughout latest interviews.
Conor McGregor
McGregor detailed his training philosophy in a candid interview, stating his desire for minimal hand safety. “I at all times favor small glove fight. In reality, I truly hit the heavy bag, and I’m positive you could have seen with my naked knuckles. I steadily stroll out with out the gloves by any means. It fits my fist. It fits my wrists. It fits me higher. My accuracy is closing. And with the larger gloves, it’s not as interesting to me.”
The Irish fighter has expressed specific enthusiasm for naked knuckle combating preparation strategies. “I fancy naked knuckle drastically. And the preparation can be practiced with small gloves and no gloves. And there’s so many nice there’s nice many nice practices of naked knuckle. You recognize, you set your fingers within the petrol or the rice which is we discuss a recreation.”
The Petrol Methodology Defined
The method McGregor references traces again to conventional Irish traveler naked knuckle boxing tradition. The strategy gained wider recognition by means of the 2011 documentary “Knuckle,” which featured fighter Large Joe Joyce describing the observe. Joyce defined that soaking fingers in petrol for prolonged durations creates the impression of more durable knuckles by drying the pores and skin, although the strategy carries vital well being dangers.
UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall has additionally employed this method, describing his routine as “the previous traveler methodology of dipping your knuckles in petrol for about 20 minutes because the solar’s developing. Aspinall claimed the method makes knuckles more durable, although medical consultants warn that extended petrol publicity could cause pores and skin irritation and potential well being issues.
The ethanol in petrol removes moisture from skin, creating a temporarily toughened surface. However, health professionals note that petrol is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” and prolonged skin exposure can lead to various complications.
Rice Training Alternative
McGregor also mentioned rice coaching, which represents a safer conditioning various. This conventional methodology entails submerging fingers in raw rice and performing varied actions to strengthen fingers, fingers and wrists. The method supplies constant resistance whereas working muscle tissues and tendons all through the hand construction.
Rice bucket training has gained popularity among combat sports athletes as a hand conditioning tool that reduces injury risk while building grip strength. The method involves exercises like finger flexion, wrist rotations and gripping motions performed within containers filled with rice.
McGregor’s BKFC Involvement
McGregor became a part-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship in April 2024. Since his investment, the former UFC champion has repeatedly hinted at making his bare knuckle debut. He confirmed his intentions on social media, stating “I am 100% fighting bare knuckle”.
BKFC President Dave Feldman has praised McGregor’s current condition, describing it as “the best Conor McGregor I’ve seen.” The organization has positioned McGregor to potentially face the winner of Mike Perry versus Jeremy Stephens for future matchups.
Current coaching footage reveals McGregor working combos with out gloves, suggesting preparation for naked knuckle competitors. He has posted pictures from gloveless exercises whereas tagging BKFC social media accounts, constructing anticipation for his potential debut.
White House Fight Claims Examined
McGregor has made bold claims about fighting at a White House UFC occasion deliberate for 2026, calling it a “completed deal, signed, delivered.” He said that he’s “negotiating with america of America on behalf of Eire for this struggle” and has requested “$100 million and 100 US Golden Visas” for the occasion.

Nevertheless, these claims require vital scrutiny. Whereas UFC President Dana White has confirmed {that a} White Home occasion is formally deliberate for July 2026 to rejoice America’s 250th anniversary, particular fighter agreements stay unconfirmed. The occasion will accommodate fewer than 5,000 spectators on account of safety issues.
McGregor’s pattern of making grandiose public statements about potential fights has drawn skepticism from industry figures. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen has labeled similar McGregor claims as “untrue,” noting that the fighter has a history of announcing fights that fail to materialize.
While the White House UFC event appears legitimate in concept, McGregor’s specific role and the terms he has described publicly should be viewed with caution until officially confirmed by the UFC organization.
