Ultimate Fighting Championship superstar Conor McGregor steps into a different kind of arena as he sets his sights on Ireland's highest political office.
According to Just The News, the controversial mixed martial arts fighter declared his intention to run for president of Ireland through a detailed social media announcement on X platform this Thursday.
The UFC champion's unexpected political ambitions center on his strong opposition to Ireland's current immigration policies and the European Union's proposed migration regulations. His campaign platform primarily focuses on addressing what he perceives as pressing concerns regarding the increasing number of migrants entering Irish borders.
The former lightweight champion specifically targeted the European Union's new migration pact in his announcement. This agreement aims to distribute asylum claim processing responsibilities evenly across member states, a move McGregor strongly opposes.
In his social media declaration, McGregor positioned himself as the only candidate willing to challenge the current administration's stance on immigration. He emphasized his commitment to representing the voices of Irish citizens who share his concerns about the nation's immigration policies.
The fighter's political aspirations emerge following his vocal criticism of the Irish government throughout 2023, particularly regarding what he described as a significant increase in immigration numbers.
McGregor's political announcement comes amid ongoing legal complications that could potentially impact his campaign. The fighter currently faces scrutiny over a recent sexual assault lawsuit in Dublin.
The legal proceedings resulted in a verdict against McGregor, though he announced his intention to appeal the decision in February. This development adds another layer of complexity to his presidential aspirations.
These legal challenges raise questions about how voters might perceive his candidacy and whether they could affect his eligibility for office.
McGregor took to X to share his campaign message, where he wrote:
Who else will stand up to Government and oppose this bill? Any other Presidential candidate they attempt to put forward will be of no resistance to them. I will!
His announcement garnered immediate attention from both supporters and critics, highlighting the polarizing nature of his political entrance. The fighter concluded his announcement with an emphatic call to action:
God bless our people! Vote McGregor and have your voice heard!
McGregor, widely recognized as one of UFC's most prominent figures, announced his presidential bid on March 21, 2025, marking a significant shift from combat sports to national politics. His campaign focuses primarily on opposing the European Union's migration policies and addressing what he perceives as Ireland's immigration challenges.
The controversial fighter aims to transform his athletic fame into political influence, positioning himself as an anti-establishment candidate willing to challenge current government policies. While his announcement has generated substantial public interest, the impact of his ongoing legal appeal and his ability to transition from sports icon to political leader remains to be seen.
