Conor McGregor has officially ended his bid to become President of Ireland, releasing a dramatic late-night statement that stunned both the sporting and political worlds.
The former two-weight UFC champion confirmed his withdrawal from the presidential race after what he described as “careful reflection” and discussions with his family.
McGregor – who hasn’t fought since suffering a TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021 – had announced earlier this year that he intended to contest the presidency. At 37, he was expected to begin a nationwide push this week to secure the necessary backing for his candidacy. But instead, in a 3.30AM post to his millions of followers, the Notorious revealed he was stepping away.
In his statement, McGregor wrote on X: “Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.”
The Dubliner went on to stress that while he won’t be on the ballot paper this October, his 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” the former champ said.
The UFC star insisted that his short-lived run had already ignited a wider debate in Irish politics.
“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,” he added. “That conversation will not end with my withdrawal.”
McGregor continued: “The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back. My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made.”
He also made clear that he has no intention of walking away from politics altogether, saying: “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.”
McGregor’s short campaign had already attracted attention internationally. Elon Musk publicly endorsed him, while he also struck up links with the family of U.S. President Donald Trump. He even addressed officials at the White House earlier this year, framing himself as a candidate who could carry Irish interests onto the global stage.
However, his path to nomination always looked steep. To get on the ballot, McGregor would have needed the support of either four local authorities or 20 members of parliament — an uphill task for an independent candidate without political experience.
Still, McGregor presented himself as a voice for what he described as the “forgotten Irish,” claiming he wanted to challenge the establishment and reform outdated elements of the Irish Constitution.
In one section of his sprawling statement, he saluted supporters who had rallied behind him: “There is now a very visible and vocal movement of Irish Patriots reverting to our cultural and historical origins seeking to maintain and protect our way of life as Irish – to them I salute you. The current has changed and this tide cannot be held back!”
UFC comeback on the horizon?
With politics on hold, focus now inevitably shifts back to McGregor’s fighting future. The 37-year-old has been linked with a return to the octagon next year and has already voiced his intention to compete at the planned UFC “White House” event in June.
“That’s my event,” McGregor said recently.
UFC CEO Dana White is fully behind the idea, insisting McGregor remains the sport’s biggest draw, telling The W.A.D.E Concept: “Say what you will about Conor McGregor because people like to talk sht about that too, but he is that guy, and he’s always been that guy.”
“I’ve been in the room. I’ve been on the phone. Lots of people like to talk tough publicly, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole other ballgame,” White continued. “When the s***t hits the fan, who’s really willing to go out, and Conor McGregor has always been that guy.”
For McGregor, his foray into politics appears to be just the beginning of a new chapter. While his first campaign has ended abruptly, he insists he will return to the ballot in the future.
“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 best interests socially and economically – of that there is no doubt,” he concluded. “This is a marathon. Not a sprint!”
Many fans voiced disappointment but support over the announcement, with one person saying: “Nicely said, and I’m saddened to hear you are withdrawing… I’m pleased though that you’ll be able to support Ireland as a spokesman and will likely be able to do more than you would have as a politician.”
A second wrote: “You inspired many in Ireland to stand up, this campaign was not for nothing.”
And a third typed: “Don’t let them beat you Conor, you have the people behind you, and when we rise, there you will be as the spearhead.”
For now, the Notorious steps back from Ireland’s presidential stage — but whether in politics or the UFC, his next move is guaranteed to draw the world’s attention.
Featured image credit: Instagram/@thenotoriousmma
