BREAKING: Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the Irish presidential election, labeling the electoral process as undemocratic in a surprising announcement made on Sunday. This development comes just weeks before the election, scheduled for October 2023, where McGregor was a longshot candidate needing support from 20 members of parliament or four local authorities to secure a nomination.
The former UFC champion, aged 37, had sought to leverage his massive social media following and endorsements from high-profile figures like Elon Musk to propel his candidacy. However, in a statement on X, McGregor confirmed he would cease his nomination efforts, stating, “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.”
Despite his popularity on social media, McGregor’s political aspirations face skepticism among the Irish public. A recent poll conducted by the Sunday Independent indicated that only 7% of respondents would consider voting for him. This comes on the heels of serious legal troubles, including being found liable in a sexual assault case linked to an incident in 2018 in Dublin, raising questions about his viability as a candidate.
McGregor’s last appearance in the UFC was marked by a devastating injury—a broken leg—during a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021. As he steps back from the political arena, McGregor has hinted at a return to the octagon, expressing interest in participating in a UFC event planned for the U.S. White House in summer 2026.
As McGregor’s political journey concludes for now, observers will be keen to see how this withdrawal impacts his future endeavors and public perception. The electoral landscape in Ireland remains fluid, and McGregor’s potential comeback could stir significant interest in upcoming elections.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and what it means for both McGregor and the Irish political scene.
