Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from Ireland’s presidential race, raising questions about the timing of his decision and possible links to the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s newly announced White House event.
McGregor ended his campaign on Monday, just hours before a series of council meetings that could have secured him the endorsements necessary for an official ballot spot. His candidacy, launched earlier this year, had already surprised many given his absence from competition since breaking his leg in 2021 against Dustin Poirier.
In a statement, the former two-division UFC champion explained his decision as the result of “careful reflection” and conversations with his family, calling the withdrawal “the right one at this moment.” His campaign had emphasized connecting with younger voters and leveraging his international profile to boost Ireland’s global standing.
The move, however, coincided with UFC president Dana White’s high-profile announcement of a historic “UFC White House Card,” planned for 2026 on the South Lawn. White revealed that McGregor, rather than Jon Jones, was his preferred headliner for the event, citing the Irishman’s dependability and star appeal.
“I need people on this card that I can count on, no matter what happens,” White told Wade Plemons, adding that McGregor fit that description.
Observers note that had McGregor continued his political campaign, his involvement in such an event could have posed significant conflicts of interest. Running for the Irish presidency requires years of commitment, while preparing for a landmark UFC card would demand full focus.
McGregor’s withdrawal suggests he may have prioritized his fighting career over public office. For a figure whose fame was built inside the octagon, the decision highlights a preference for spectacle over politics.
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