UFC White House: Is Conor McGregor's Obsession With Show Linked to Irish Presidency Aspirations?

McGregor may be using his final days as a fighter to launch his campaign, and recently, his very public push to headline the UFC’s historic White House event could be his own way to aim for the highest office in his home country.

This week, The Wall Street Journal reported on details confirming the UFC’s plans to host an event on the White House lawn in June 2026, an idea championed by President Donald Trump.

In reaction to this news, McGregor posted on his X (formerly Twitter) with the words, “MCGREGOR’S RETURN!”

While many inactive fighters, like Jon Jones and even Andrew Tate have expressed interest, McGregor’s response was immediate when the prospect of a White House UFC card was not even in its planning stages. 

On the surface, it’s the typical behavior of the sport’s biggest self-promoter. However, viewed through the lens of his political aspirations, his desire to return to the UFC may be a calculated move to associate his brand with ultimate power and prestige on a global stage.

Even UFC lightweight contender, Terence McKinney seems to think so:

Back in March, during the same Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship press conference where he hinted at retirement, he also mentioned that he would seize the opportunity to fight while he is the president of Ireland.

“Of course, are you crazy? That’s part of why I want to do it!” he said emphatically over the prospect of fighting while being president at the same time. “For sure. Hell yes.”

His visit to the Oval Office earlier this year was also likely a part of his strategy to kickstart his presidential campaign. Associating so closely with the divisive figure like President Donald Trump could, however, backfire with certain segments of the Irish electorate, as the visit has already irritated Ireland’s current prime minister and deputy prime minister. 

The spectacle of a proposed White House card would be the perfect stage for this lofty ambition. McGregor has not made any maneuvers in his MMA career since 2021, and at 37 years old, he needs to make something happen soon before his ability to impress a crowd with a vintage McGregor knockout completely leaves his body.