Maxx Crosby has joined Conor McGregor as a minority owner in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).
The 27-year-old is a starting defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL.
The 6’5″, 265lb defensive end is a four-time pro bowl winner and has played seven seasons in the NFL, all for the Raiders.
“Bareknuckle fighting is raw, real, and incredibly engaging for fans,” Crosby said, speaking on his newest investment.
“I have always been passionate about combat sports, and I see BKFC as a platform that not only showcases the incredible skill, talent, and athleticism of these fighters but also brings a unique and authentic experience to combat sports enthusiasts.”
Crosby appeared on ESPN’s UFC Live over the weekend and admitted that UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell told him he had the potential to become a heavyweight champion in his promotion.
McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
He has been one of the most influential figures in the brutal bare-knuckle scene since becoming a co-owner of the organisation at the beginning of 2024.
Ever since, the 36-year-old Irishman has heavily promoted the fledgling combat sports league that was founded in April 2018, and has attended many of their events in the UK and around the world.
In November, the UFC star was in attendance for BKFC 68 at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.
He was drowned out by flashes and photos as he made his way ringside, before getting up to the usual antics of hyping up the crowd and gulping his Forged Irish Stout.
Speaking after the wild main event, McGregor was asked if it was the best heavyweight fight he had ever seen.
“It’s for sure up there,” he said, before commenting on the atmosphere in Newcastle, having watched Newcastle United beat Arsenal in the Premier League earlier in the day.
“It’s an honour to be here in the beautiful Newcastle today, 1-0, we won today. Up the Toon Army,” he added.
“We’re on the hunt for the baddest m***** f***** around these parts. We’re crowing champions and putting on big shows.
“Thank you to all the combatants for putting it all on the line… you always have to thank the combatants. Let’s go Newcastle.”
A month before, the Irishman revelled among the chaos at a BKFC Spain weigh-in.
Chaos broke out between Tony ‘Loco’ Soto and Franco Tenaglia ahead of their title fight for the vacant world lightweight championship.
And McGregor was loving the atmosphere in Marbella, as he wore flash sunglasses while donning a pink suit.
BKFC founder David Feldman announced in December that 64 fighters are expected to participate in a $25million tournament this year.
The winner will walk away with a huge $15m cash prize, with the rest of the $10m split between the final eight fighters.
BKFC’s first event of 2025 takes place on January 18 in California.
Then, just one week later, the bare-knuckle league will host their biggest event to date as two former UFC stars in Eddie Alvarez and Jeremy Stephens headline KnuckleMania V.
BKFC world heavyweight champion and Newcastle native Mick Terrill takes on former UFC heavyweight Ben Rothwell in the co-main event.