"Referring to a recent trip to New York City in conjunction with the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, McGregor noted that "I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann." Adding that he had been "humbled by the support and encouragement" he received, and claiming to have "catalysed a mobilisation for positive change in Ireland against a malevolent political witch-hunt working together with the mainstream media supercharged Fake News,""
""The current has changed and this tide cannot be held back! Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race," McGregor wrote in a lengthy statement. "This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time. While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here.""
"Conor McGregor is no longer running for the Irish presidency. The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, the promotion's first simultaneous double-champ, has spent the better part of the past year dabbling in politics, and earlier in 2025 seemed to get serious about a presidential bid. There were barriers to entry the mixed martial arts star needed to get around, including the need for nominations from 20 members of the Oireachtas (the national parliament of Ireland). Yet McGregor seemed determined to plow through, until Monday."
Conor McGregor withdrew his candidacy for the Irish presidency on September 15 and said he no longer intends to run. The former UFC double-champion had explored politics through 2025 and faced procedural hurdles such as securing nominations from 20 Oireachtas members. After reflection and consultation with his family he announced his decision on social media and said the moment was not right to contest the election. He said he was humbled by support, claimed to have catalysed mobilisation for positive change, accused a political witch-hunt aided by "supercharged Fake News," and pledged to continue promoting Irish interests abroad and advocating transparency and responsibility in public life.
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