Conor McGregor is no longer running for the Irish presidency.
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, the promotion’s first simultaneous double-champ, has spent the better part of the past year dabbling in politics, and earlier in 2025 seemed to get serious about a presidential bid.
There were barriers to entry the mixed martial arts star needed to get around, including the need for nominations from 20 members of the Oireachtas (the national parliament of Ireland). Yet McGregor seemed determined to plow through, until Monday.
As of September 15, McGregor no longer intends to run for President, announcing the news on social media. Referring to a recent trip to New York City in conjunction with the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, McGregor noted that “I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.”
Adding that he had been “humbled by the support and encouragement” he received, and claiming to have “catalysed a mobilisation for positive change in Ireland against a malevolent political witch-hunt working together with the mainstream media supercharged Fake News,” McGregor went on to state that he’s withdrawing his candidancy.
“The current has changed and this tide cannot be held back! Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race,” McGregor wrote in a lengthy statement. “This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my 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.”
“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. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal. 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. 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,” McGregor continued. “This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. 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 interest’s socially and economically – of that there is no doubt. This is a marathon. Not a sprint!”
Conor McGregor’s withdrawal from the Irish presidential race could open the door for him to compete at the UFC’s White House event in 2026. The 37-year old has not competed since breaking his leg in the rubber match of his trilogy with Dustin Poirier in 2021. After coaching opposite Michael Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter 31, McGregor was booked to fight his rival coach at UFC 303 last year, but withdrew from the fight due to a broken toe.
