BKFC fighter Tai Emery has promised UFC star Conor McGregor that she won’t repeat her viral post-fight celebration, as she prepares for her next bout. Emery’s promise comes after her controversial celebration in 2022, which attracted significant attention and led to stern warnings from BKFC officials.
Emery first made headlines during her BKFC debut in Thailand when, following a knockout victory over Rung-Arun Khunchai, she celebrated by flashing the crowd. The unexpected and provocative move quickly went viral, drawing both praise and criticism.
As Emery prepares for her upcoming fight against Charisa Sigala at the Super RIZIN 3 PPV in Japan, she has had to reassure BKFC owner Conor McGregor and BKFC President David Feldman that she won’t engage in similar antics. According to Emery, she has had to address this concern in various communications with Feldman and McGregor, even learning how to express her commitment in Japanese to avoid any misunderstandings.
In an exclusive interview with MMA Mania, Emery said, “100 percent… In every single email, every single phone call from David Feldman. I literally had to learn how to say, ‘No, I promised David Feldman and Conor McGregor that I wouldn’t flash and I wouldn’t be naughty.’ I learned how to say that in Japanese just for the sheer fact that I knew they’d ask me that… I had to pull that [phrase] out in some of the interviews and they were impressed.”
The promise to McGregor is particularly noteworthy given McGregor’s own history of controversial behavior and outspoken comments. McGregor, known for his provocative persona, has made headlines for various disputes, including his recent reaction to former President Donald Trump’s praise of Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor criticized Trump’s comments, viewing them as a political misstep and further fueling his ongoing feud with the Dagestani fighter.
While McGregor remains a polarizing figure in MMA, he has also faced recent controversies regarding his own career. After a notable absence from the UFC octagon since 2021, McGregor’s anticipated return has been marred by injuries and delays. Despite a confirmed UFC 303 card, McGregor had to withdraw due to a broken toe, leaving fans and analysts eagerly awaiting updates on his comeback.
As the MMA community awaits official news from UFC President Dana White about McGregor’s return, Tai Emery’s commitment to avoiding any further controversies underscores the delicate balance fighters must maintain between personal expression and professional expectations. Emery’s promise reflects a broader trend in sports where athletes navigate the fine line between individuality and adherence to organizational standards.
