Conor McGregor, a former UFC champion, indicated he might step away from fighting to focus on Irish politics. In a press conference, McGregor said, “There’s something else for me right now,” prompting questions about whether he is done with fighting. With two fights left on his UFC contract, his comments have sparked discussions about his future in MMA and a potential political career in Ireland.
McGregor’s Comments on His Career and Ireland
McGregor shared his current thoughts: “I’ve got two fights on the contract. I’m in negotiations,” he stated. He then mentioned a recent event that impacted him: “Last week, something happened to me. I went to the White House, and my heart bleeds for my country right now.” McGregor visited the White House on March 17, 2025, for St. Patrick’s Day, where he met U.S. President Donald Trump and made anti-immigration remarks about Ireland. He added, “There’s a lot of stuff going on back home. I’m happy with what I’ve done, you know. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now, and that’s kind of where I’m going.”
McGregor’s Political Announcement
On March 21, 2025, McGregor announced his intention to run for Ireland’s presidency, focusing on an anti-immigration platform. He aims to oppose the EU Migration Pact, which seeks to distribute asylum processing across EU countries. In Ireland, presidential candidates need nominations from 20 members of parliament or four local councils. McGregor’s views have been controversial, and he faced criticism after his White House comments, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin stating they did not reflect Ireland’s values.
Fighting as a Potential President
McGregor has not ruled out fighting entirely. When asked if he would fight if elected president, he replied, “Of course, are you crazy?” He also noted, “Greatness doesn’t rush, and right now, Ireland is in my thoughts—that’s where I’m at.” Ireland’s presidential election must occur by November 11, 2025, leaving McGregor’s next steps uncertain.
