Conor McGregor Withdraws from Irish Presidential Race, Calls Election Undemocratic
BREAKING: Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the race for the Irish presidency, declaring the electoral process “undemocratic.” The former UFC champion, 37, made the announcement on Sunday, confirming he will no longer pursue the necessary nominations to appear on the ballot this October.
McGregor’s bid was a long shot, requiring the backing of 20 members of parliament or support from four local authorities. Despite rallying his substantial social media following and garnering attention from influential figures like Elon Musk, he has decided to cease his efforts.
In a message on X, McGregor stated,
“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.”
His determination to remain politically active is evident, but questions about his viability as a candidate linger.
Recent polling from the Sunday Independent reveals that only 7% of respondents support McGregor as a presidential candidate. His popularity as a social media figure does not translate seamlessly into political credibility, raising concerns about his potential to connect with voters.
This withdrawal follows a challenging period for McGregor, who has not fought in the UFC since a devastating 2021 TKO loss to Dustin Poirier, where he suffered a broken leg. Additionally, he faced legal troubles, having been found liable in a sexual assault case related to a 2018 incident in Dublin.
As McGregor steps back from this political campaign, all eyes are on what his next move will be. He has expressed interest in participating in a UFC event slated for the White House in summer 2026, which may reignite his profile in the sporting world.
The implications of McGregor’s withdrawal could ripple through Irish politics, particularly as he vows to continue advocating for change. His supporters, while disappointed by this setback, may still rally behind him in future endeavors, both in sports and politics.
Stay tuned for more updates on McGregor’s next steps and the evolving landscape of the Irish presidential race.
