Conor McGregor, never one to shy away from the spotlight, has sparked buzz yet again—this time with a single-word verdict on a jaw-dropping Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) clash. During BKFC Fight Night: Albuquerque, a brutal left hook from Lorenzo Coca left opponent Ruben Arroyo crumpled on the canvas, prompting the referee to wave off the contest.
McGregor, who’s been vocal about his interest in BKFC lately, took to social media to react. But what exactly unfolded in the ring, and why did the Irish superstar deem it worthy of commentary? Let’s unpack the chaos.
Conor McGregor’s one-word verdict on Coca’s fight-ending strike
The bout between Lorenzo Coca and Ruben Arroyo was a blood-soaked spectacle from the opening bell. Both fighters traded ferocious blows, but it was Coca’s thunderous left hook in the second round that stole the show. Arroyo initially shrugged off the hit, only to collapse to one knee seven seconds later—a delayed reaction that stunned the crowd inside Albuquerque’s Kiva Auditorium. By the round’s end, the fight was called, sealing Coca’s victory and leaving fans in awe.
Conor McGregor, an avid BKFC spectator, wasted no time reacting. On Instagram, the former UFC two-division champion posted a clip of the knockout with a caption that cut straight to the chase: “Shot.” The succinct praise underscores McGregor’s admiration for precision violence, a hallmark of his own career. His comment also fuels speculation about his rumored interest in crossing over to BKFC, following his recent tease of three potential opponents in the bare-knuckle arena.
Why this KO matters
Coca’s win wasn’t just another highlight—it was a masterclass in timing and power. The delayed collapse of Arroyo highlighted the cumulative damage of bare-knuckle combat, where every strike carries fight-ending potential. For Conor McGregor, whose own left hand has floored legends like Jose Aldo and Eddie Alvarez, the knockout likely resonated deeply.
BKFC’s rise continues to attract mainstream attention, with McGregor’s social media antics serving as a megaphone. The promotion’s raw, unfiltered action aligns with the Irishman’s brash persona, making his involvement—whether as a spectator or competitor—a storyline to watch.
The bigger picture
McGregor’s fascination with BKFC isn’t just casual fandom. Earlier this year, he name-dropped Mike Perry, Chad Mendes, and Nate Diaz as potential opponents in the ring. While his UFC return remains uncertain, BKFC offers a tantalizing “what if” for fight fans craving McGregor’s next chapter.
As for Coca, his star-making moment at Fight Night: Albuquerque proves BKFC’s ability to create viral moments—especially when Conor McGregor’s eyes are glued to the action. One thing’s clear: in combat sports, where spectacle reigns, McGregor’s voice still carries weight. Even a single word can ignite the internet.