McGregor Hints at UFC Retirement for Shock Presidential Run

McGregor’s Shocking Career Pivot: From UFC Champion to Presidential Hopeful

In a stunning twist that has left fight fans reeling, Conor McGregor has dropped perhaps his biggest bombshell yet. The controversial UFC superstar is now strongly hinting that his fighting days might be behind him as he sets his sights on a jaw-dropping new goal: becoming the President of Ireland.

The 36-year-old mixed martial arts icon, who hasn’t stepped foot in the octagon since his back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021, appears to be trading his fighting gloves for political aspirations following a headline-grabbing visit to the White House.

From Fighting Injuries to Fighting Elections

McGregor’s long-anticipated UFC comeback has been perpetually delayed. Fight fans were expecting to see the Irishman face long-time rival Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last June, but an injury forced the former two-division champion to withdraw from the bout, extending his absence from the sport.

Rather than announcing a new fight date, McGregor shocked his followers by revealing his intention to run for president of Ireland, complete with a political platform focused on immigration reform and a campaign slogan clearly inspired by his recent American political connections.

Speaking at the BKFC 70 post-fight press conference, McGregor addressed his fighting future with surprising candor. “I’ve got two fights on the contract, I’m in negotiations,” he admitted before pivoting to his newfound political passion.

The White House Visit That Changed Everything

“Last week something happened to me, I went to the White House and my heart bleeds for my country right now. There is a lot of stuff going on back home,” McGregor revealed, his tone surprisingly contemplative for a fighter known for his brash persona.

The life-changing encounter with former President Donald Trump appears to have awakened political ambitions in the fighter that even his most dedicated fans couldn’t have predicted. “I am happy with what I have done. There is something else for me that is in my gut right now. And that’s where we are going,” he continued.

McGregor’s cryptic statement about his fighting future left the door open while making his current priorities crystal clear: “We will see. Greatness don’t rush, and right now Ireland is in my thoughts. That’s where I am at.”

Make Ireland Great Again: The Controversial Campaign Begins

McGregor’s White House visit wasn’t just a photo opportunity. During his controversial meeting, he used his platform to criticize Ireland’s Prime Minister, claimed that immigration policies were causing Ireland to lose “its Irishness,” and boldly declared he had the “complete backing of the entire Trump administration.”

Days after this politically charged visit, the MMA superstar made his presidential ambitions official with an Instagram post featuring himself in front of a private jet while sporting a “Make Ireland Great Again” hat – a not-so-subtle nod to Trump’s campaign slogan.

In his announcement, McGregor focused heavily on immigration policy, stating: “Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026. So between now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas & then signed by the President.”

Can The Notorious Really Become President?

McGregor appears to be timing his political move strategically, noting: “The next presidential election must take place by 11 Nov 2025. Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill?” He added with his characteristic confidence, “Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!”

The UFC star emphasized his commitment to democracy in his announcement. “For clarity also, as President, I would put forth this bill to referendum,” he stated. “Although I oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor governments choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always! That is a true democracy!”

What This Means for McGregor’s UFC Legacy

With two fights remaining on his UFC contract and ongoing negotiations, McGregor stands at a career crossroads. His cryptic statements leave fans wondering if he’ll ever return to the sport that made him a global superstar and one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

UFC president Dana White has yet to comment on McGregor’s political ambitions or how they might impact his fighting future. Meanwhile, potential opponent Michael Chandler continues to wait for a fight that now seems increasingly uncertain.

Whether McGregor’s presidential run is a serious political endeavor or another headline-grabbing move from the master of self-promotion remains to be seen. One thing is certain – just when you think Conor McGregor has run out of ways to shock the world, he delivers another knockout announcement that nobody saw coming.