Conor McGregor Ends 2025 Irish Presidential Bid, Vows to Continue Political Journey

Irish MMA star Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Irish presidential race. After months of speculation, fiery speeches, and polarizing opinions, McGregor took to social media on September 15, 2025, to announce that he’s stepping away—at least for now.

While his decision caught some fans off guard, McGregor framed the moment not as a defeat but as “the beginning of his political journey.” His main frustration? A nomination system that he believes unfairly favors establishment figures over true democratic contenders.

So why did the fighter-turned-political-hopeful bow out? Here’s a look at what led to his withdrawal and what might come next.

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McGregor’s Message: “Not the End, but the Beginning”

In his announcement on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor cited Ireland’s presidential nomination process as the primary roadblock. The system requires candidates to secure endorsements from either 20 members of parliament or four local authorities—a threshold he wasn’t able to meet.

Calling the structure a “straitjacket,” McGregor said the system “prevents a true democratic presidential election being contested” and only allows for establishment-approved names to dominate.

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But rather than exit quietly, McGregor made it clear he isn’t done with politics.

“This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey,” he wrote.
“I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity.”

A Fighter’s Leap Into Politics

McGregor’s political ambitions went public in March 2025, when he surprised fans with a bold Instagram post declaring his candidacy for President of Ireland.

He said he wanted to “stand up to Government” and oppose immigration policies he found damaging. His rhetoric, including claims about “rural towns being overrun,” drew both support and intense backlash.

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The announcement came shortly after he met with former U.S. President Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day, adding fuel to an already controversial campaign.

Irish political leaders distanced themselves from McGregor’s views. Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the fighter’s rhetoric “did not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or the views of the people of Ireland.”

Despite the controversy, McGregor remained defiant, claiming to represent the will of “real” Irish citizens who felt unheard.

Why He Couldn’t Secure a Spot on the Ballot

To officially run for president, McGregor needed support from Ireland’s political infrastructure—but that proved impossible.

Not a single local authority or member of parliament publicly backed him. Without those nominations, his campaign couldn’t make it past the starting line, regardless of his public support or celebrity status.

On September 15, McGregor shared that after “careful reflection” and discussion with his family, he had made the “right decision” to withdraw.

“While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here,” he added.
“I will continue to serve my people… to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life.”

Conor McGregor’s Life Outside the Ring and Politics

Beyond the octagon and the political stage, McGregor is a father of four and a proud Irishman. He shares his life with fiancée Dee Devlin, whom he proposed to in 2020.

The couple’s kids include Conor Jr. (born 2017), Croia (2019), Rian (2021), and Mack (2023). Despite his high-profile career and controversies, McGregor has often spoken about how much his family means to him.

Although he is not married yet, he and Dee remain engaged, and she has supported him through his athletic rise and recent political ambitions.

What’s Next for McGregor?

Even though McGregor won’t appear on the presidential ballot in 2025, he insists that his journey in politics is just beginning.

He says he plans to use his global platform to lobby for Irish interests internationally, boost economic opportunities, and shine a light on public accountability in Ireland.

His words—“This is a marathon. Not a sprint.”—suggest he’s in this for the long haul, potentially eyeing future elections or political roles.

Whether Ireland is ready for President McGregor in the years to come remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: The Notorious One isn’t done making headlines.

Would you vote for Conor McGregor someday? Let us know your thoughts.