Every fighter has a reason to fight. Most mixed martial artists fight for fame and money. But some fighters tend to have an emotional value stuck to everything they do. And it’s not just because they simply love the gush of adrenaline when they step inside a ring to fight. Sometimes, it’s because of a promise, a token of love for their close ones who have already taken the heavenly abode. And one of Conor McGregor’s bare-knuckle fighters shares a similar inspiring story.
At the BKFC Italy pre-fight press conference, a reporter wanted to know the reason the fighters on the panel fought valiantly. ‘The Notorious’ pushed the question forward and said, “What do you fight for, gentlemen? People fight for money, people fight for legacy, people fight for honor, people fight for respect. Tell us what you fight for.” He pointed the question to Jimmy Sweeney first. Little did he know that he was taking the fighting world for a spin on the emotional rollercoaster.
‘The King’ responded, “I lost my dad at 19 through suicide. So, I fight for him, his name. So, everything I do in life, I do for him. This is why when you see me do my ring walk, I bless my face, I reach the sky. It’s for him. Not money, not fame. For him.” The 40-year-old Irish fighter is set to take on Rico Franco at BKFC Italy on April 26. But even before he had the chance to share the right with his opponent, Sweeney won the fans’ hearts with his heartfelt response.
The world of mixed martial arts is excited about one more thing. And that points to the former UFC double champion’s return to the fighting realm. Well, not just as a promoter and part owner of the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. But as a fighter in the promotion.
So, what exactly is the motivating factor for Conor McGregor?
Conor McGregor outlines promise to fight at BKFC
While promoting the BKFC event set for 26 April, ‘The Notorious’ hinted at his return as a fighter. He said, “If you think I am up here, giving these speeches and leading these men into battle, and I won’t step in there myself, think again. For sure, Conor McGregor will fight in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, mark my words.”
And the reason? It’s because McGregor wants to become a champion in the lightweight or welterweight category under the banner of BKFC. He went on, “I’d like a world title in this company. I would wish to be the bare-knuckle world champion. That is a significant belt to hold in your career. Nobody from boxing to mixed martial arts can speak nothing bad on a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship world champion. So for sure, I’d be coming in looking for the world title.”
‘Mystic Mac’ even agreed to fight for free. After quoting ‘il tempo è denaro’, the Italian proverb for ‘time is money’, McGregor revealed that he would fight for free. On top of that, he already had his eyes set on a few opponents. He was ready to take on Mike Perry, with whom the Irishman has some unfinished business. But his eyes were also on Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens. After all, their fight at BKFC Knucklemania 5 had ‘The Notorious,’ greatly impressed. But first, he’ll have to clear out the 2 remaining fights in his UFC contract. And before that, we need to watch Franco vs. Sweeney at BKFC Italy.
What are your thoughts on Sweeney’s reasons for fighting? Do you think it can get him a victory against Franco? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.
The post “I Lost My Dad at 19 Through Suicide”- Conor McGregor’s BKFC Star Confesses Dark Truth Before Italy Event appeared first on EssentiallySports.