For the first time in mixed martial arts history, a
UFC fighter will be running for their nation’s highest elected
office.
In 2024, Conor McGregor suggested frequently on social media of his
intent on running for office, with his main focus on
immigration—namely, against foreign individuals coming to live in
Ireland. After
meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, the
Irishman was emboldened to not only make a number of controversial
comments
condemned by figures in the Irish government, but state on
social media
of his official intent to run for the presidency of his nation.
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“Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12,
2026,” McGregor wrote. “So between
now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be
passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and then signed by the
President. The next presidential election must take place by 11 Nov
2025. Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this
bill?”
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum to which McGregor is referring
is a policy adopted by the European Parliament to change the
migration and asylum systems across the member nations. When it
goes into effect in 2026, it will force the countries in the
European Union to share the costs of bringing in refugees and
migrants, while transforming border security protocols to
streamline the immigration process. Ireland chose to join this Pact
in 2024, in the hopes of helping smooth out the difficulties of
asylum while assisting nations disproportionately affected by
migration.
“Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will
be of no resistance to them,” McGregor continued, in the caption of
a photograph where he is wearing a “Make Ireland Great Again” hat
while carrying one of his children. “I will! For clarity also, as
President, I would put forth this bill to referendum. Although I
oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor government’s
choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always! That
is a true democracy! I would also be curious to hear our government
officials’ reasoning for agreeing with this pact so fervently. I
would love to hear the debates! Followed then by vote! This is the
future of Ireland with me as President. All citizens of Ireland to
have a voice and a choice on their future! God bless our people!
Vote McGregor and have your voice heard!”
In order to run for president of Ireland, a candidate must be at
least 35 years of age, a citizen of Ireland and must be nominated
by at least 20 of the members of Parliament (Oireachtas) or four
city or county councils spread through localities around the
country. Presidents serve for seven years, with a maximum of two
terms. Public
sentiment is not on the
side of McGregor, with
local publications bearish on his
presidential prospects.
“Notorious” recently was
found liable for sexually assaulting Nikita Hand in 2018, with
the civil case awarding the victim over $250,000 in damages. He is
also facing charges for an unrelated sexual assault at an NBA
Finals game in 2023.
The Irishman last set foot in the UFC’s Octagon in 2021, where he
lost the rubber match to Dustin Poirier by breaking his leg. A
matchup against Michael Chandler failed to materialize at UFC 303,
and eventually Chandler opted for a new opponent and faced Charles
Oliveira instead. There is currently no timetable for McGregor’s
return, with UFC chief Dana White no longer as optimistic that he
will fight in 2025 or possibly ever again.