‘This is not the end’: McGregor withdraws from Irish presidential race

Tengrinews.kz – Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has announced that he is withdrawing his candidacy from Ireland’s upcoming presidential election.

“After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential election. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one for now. I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me campaigning again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the interests of our nation,” McGregor wrote on his X account.

He added: “This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. I am driven by the desire to improve lives, protect rights and serve the Irish people with dedication and honesty. I will continue to represent my people on the world stage, advancing both social and economic interests.”

Ireland’s presidential election is scheduled for November 11, 2025. The office has been held by Michael Higgins since November 2011.

In late July, McGregor lost an appeal in a sexual assault case dating back to 2018. A court ordered him to pay €250,000 in damages and €1.3 million in legal costs. He later launched a petition calling for constitutional changes that would allow him to run for president despite the conviction.

McGregor’s UFC legacy

McGregor made his UFC debut in 2013 and fought 14 times in the promotion. In 2016, he became the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles in different weight divisions simultaneously.

His last fight took place on July 11, 2021, at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier, where he suffered a broken ankle in the first round and lost by technical knockout.