Conor McGregor does as Conor McGregor wants, and that includes being late to almost every major press event.
That was no different Thursday during the BKFC KnuckleMania 5 news conference in Philadelphia. McGregor, a member of the promotion’s ownership group, unsurprisingly was running on his own time.
“Oh, Philly,” McGregor said. “Sorry I’m late. I don’t give a f*ck. I’m the big boss around here. Philadelphia, what’s up? I’m here to summon the gods of fighting into action. May they turn our combatants’ knuckles to knives. And on Saturday night, may we all bleed in the honor of Philadelphia’s rich fighting history. May we, as Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship’s organization, the alien of combat sport, rise above the night’s sky and rain down blows viciously, and prove our worth against any deniers.”
Saturday’s fight card takes place at Wells Fargo Center and is being touted by the promotion as the largest combat sports event in the city’s history. Atop the marquee is a hometown favorite.
Former UFC lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez battles Jeremy Stephens. Both men have history with McGregor, but there was no question who he’ll be rooting for.
“May local boy and former UFC lightweight champion, former Bellator world champion, shut this man up over here, Jeremy Stephens,” McGregor said. “He’s coming in here into Philadelphia on this great sporting weekend and trying to take you out, Eddie. This is as big a fight as it gets with world title fight implications. Like I said, combatants, turn your knuckles into knives. Bleed in the honor of Philadelphia’s rich fighting history and show the people what Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship is about. Let’s go, Philadelphia. Let’s go, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.”
More BKFC!
BKFC KnuckleMania 5 video: Conor McGregor oversees Eddie Alvarez, Jeremy Stephens faceoff
Video: KnuckleMania 5 pre-fight press conference live stream
NFL star Maxx Crosby joins BKFC ownership group
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for BKFC KnuckleMania 5.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Conor McGregor summons gods to turn ‘knuckles to knives’ during impassioned (and late) BKFC promo