Outside Source
Conor McGregor hasn’t given up on his political aspirations. | Getty/UFC
Though his political ambitions remain, Conor McGregor has ended his bid to become the next president of Ireland.
The former UFC two-division champion announced his decision in a post on social media on Sunday night.
“Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” McGregor wrote on X. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here. I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote. Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home.
“This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal.”
McGregor initially announced his candidacy in March after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. The Dublin native’s primary focus was immigration in his home country, and his statements on that topic were condemned by prominent figures in the Irish government. McGregor reportedly did not have public sentiment on his side in this endeavor, and he would have also needed to be nominated by at least 20 members of Irish Parliament (Oireachtas) or four city or county councils spread through localities around Ireland.
It likely did not help McGregor’s cause that he was found civilly liable of sexual assault in a high profile case late last year. He is also facing another lawsuit for an alleged sexual assault that occurred at an NBA Finals game in 2023
McGregor: This is the Beginning of My Political Journey
Nonetheless, McGregor has vowed that he will not give up on his political aspirations.
“My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made,” he wrote. “I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.
“This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity. I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s bestinterest’s socially and economically – of that there is no doubt.
For now, it appears that the “Notorious” one has set his sights on competing at the UFC’s White House card, which is in the works for next summer. McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he broke his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil,
I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.
I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country.
I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 15, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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