For the first time in the history of mixed martial arts, UFC fighters run for their country’s highest elected office.
In 2024, Conor McGregor frequently proposed on social media his intention to run for office, with a major focus on immigration and a major focus on foreigners living in Ireland. After meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday, the Irishman not only makes many controversial comments that have been criticized by Irish government figures, but also states his official intention to run for the country’s presidency.
“Ireland must fully implement the EU immigration agreement by June 12, 2026,” writes McGregor. “So, by June 12, 2026, some laws must be passed in both houses of Oilychitas and signed by the President. The next presidential election must be held by November 11, 2025.
The EU agreement on migration and asylum as mentioned by McGregor is a policy adopted by the European Parliament, which changes the migration and asylum system across member states. When implemented in 2026, European Union countries will force countries to share the costs of introducing refugees and migrants, and will convert border security protocols to streamline the migration process. Ireland chose to join the agreement in 2024 in hopes of helping smooth out the difficulties of asylum while supporting a state that has been affected by disproportionate migration.
“The other presidential candidates they’re trying to propose will not resist them,” McGregor continued. He continued with the caption of a photo of him wearing a hat that “makes Ireland great again” while carrying one of his children. “I will! Also, as president, I will submit this bill to a referendum. I would also oppose this agreement to the point of view, but it is not the people of Irish choice. It is always a true democracy! It is a true democracy! I want to hear the reasons for government officials! Irish citizens are making choices about their future!
To run for President of Ireland, the candidate must be at least 35 years old, an Irish citizen and be appointed to at least 20 MPs (Oireachtas) or four city or county councils across the country. The president serves up to two terms for seven years. People’s sentiment is not on McGregor’s side, and local publications are embraced by the president’s outlook.
“Notorious” was recently liable for sexually assaulting Nikita’s hand in 2018, and the civil lawsuit awarded the victim more than $250,000 in damages. He is also facing unrelated sexual assault accusations in the 2023 NBA Finals game.
The Irishman last stepped into the UFC octagon in 2021, where he broke his leg and lost a rubber match with Dustin Poirier. The matchup against Michael Chandler was not possible in UFC 303, and in the end Chandler chose a new opponent and instead faced Charles Oliveira. There is currently no McGregor’s return schedule. UFC chief Dana White is no longer optimistic that he will fight in 2025 or again.
