The UFC has produced countless legends, but few have made a global impact quite like former two-division champion Conor McGregor. Known for his sharp striking and brash, gangster-like persona, the Irishman not only elevated his own career but also helped catapult the UFC into mainstream stardom.
McGregor burst onto the scene in the featherweight division, rapidly climbing the ranks to earn an interim title shot after just five fights. His iconic 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo remains the fastest finish in UFC title-fight history and cemented him as the featherweight champion. He later added lightweight gold by defeating Eddie Alvarez, becoming the first fighter in company history to hold two belts simultaneously.
Beyond his achievements in the Octagon, McGregor became one of the UFC’s biggest attractions, with nearly every fight he headlined drawing millions of pay-per-view buys. His ability to connect with fans worldwide, while proudly representing his Irish heritage, made him a cultural phenomenon.
Recently, McGregor shocked fans once again by announcing his entry into politics. Standing outside the Irish government buildings, he posted a video on X declaring his intention to run for President of Ireland, urging citizens to support him in the upcoming campaign.
Citizens of Ireland, the time for real change is now! As President, I will not sign any bill in law until it goes back to the people first! If you want to see my name on the ballot for the Presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to nominate me. If you are a councillor who feels your voice is ignored, your hands tied, and your community overlooked, then I ask you to stand with me. Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and power to be truly heard.
Conor McGregor via X
Citizens of Ireland, the time for real change is now!
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 4, 2025
As President, I will not sign any bill in law until it goes back to the people first!
If you want to see my name on the ballot for the Presidency, I urge you to contact your local county councillors today and ask them to… pic.twitter.com/LGDCSGN9vr
McGregor’s campaign message builds on a growing frustration with Ireland’s political establishment. He highlighted county councillors as the true backbone of local communities, contrasting their work with the failures of the ‘Oireachtas’, which is a name for the Irish Parliament. His appeal follows speculation about whether he would officially enter the race, fueled by his increasingly political online statements.
This move comes as McGregor continues to make headlines beyond the Octagon. In recent years, he has faced multiple controversies, including legal battles, public criticism, and heated social media exchanges. Despite this, he remains one of Ireland’s most recognizable figures, with a loyal fan base that often rallies behind his outspoken persona and active social media presence.
It remains to be seen if Conor McGregor ever makes a return to the Octagon. He had laid out a game plan for his return to the public eye, officially including a fight at the much-anticipated UFC White House event. With this bold step, he has undoubtedly placed himself at the center of Ireland’s political conversation.
Conor McGregor set Irish politics ablaze after delivering a fiery speech at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day in early 2025. The White House appearance was McGregor’s clearest move into politics yet. Known as a divisive figure, he had already hinted at running for president in Ireland, presenting himself as an outsider ready to challenge the system. Speaking in Washington undoubtedly gave him worldwide attention.
McGregor stood in the briefing room and delivered a powerful speech to a room full of reporters asking him questions. He accused the Irish government of running an “illegal immigration racket” and claimed that Ireland was on the verge of losing its national identity. He also revealed that he was going to meet USA President Donald Trump and discuss the issues with him after the speech.
Ireland and America are siblings. I am here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face. It will be music to the people of Ireland. They have never been represented on the main stage. Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland. It is high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. Our government is the government of zero action and zero accountability.
Conor McGregor at the White House
Conor McGregor is currently in the US, speaking out about the challenges Ireland is facing at the moment.
— Queen Natalie (@TheNorfolkLion) March 17, 2025
Say what you will about him, but one thing you can’t deny is his deep love for his country. pic.twitter.com/RtvvhhVUND
Whether intended as a genuine political step or a publicity play, Conor McGregor’s White House speech thrust him deeper into the national conversation about Ireland’s future. It highlighted his ambition to move from the octagon to the political arena. It left Ireland and the world debating whether he is a bold new voice for the Irish people.
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