Controversial MMA fighter Conor McGregor has hinted that retirement from fighting could be on the horizon as he sets his sights on a political career in Ireland.
The 36-year-old recently announced his intention to run for Irish President, following a contentious visit to the White House.
McGregor hasn’t competed in the UFC since suffering back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last June but withdrew due to injury.
Controversial MMA fighter Conor McGregor has hinted that retirement from fighting could be on the horizon as he sets his sights on a political career in Ireland
GETTY
The Irishman revealed that his recent White House visit has made him reconsider his fighting future.
Speaking at BKFC 70’s post-fight press conference, McGregor said: “Last week something happened to me, I went to the White House and my heart bleeds for my country right now. There is a lot of stuff going on back home.”
During his controversial visit to meet President Trump for St. Patrick’s Day, McGregor criticised Ireland’s Prime Minister and claimed that immigration was causing Ireland to potentially “lose its Irishness”.
He also declared he has the “complete backing of the entire Trump administration”.
JUST IN: Luke Littler leaks info on Luke Humphries and aims dig at rival after winning Premier League night eight
Did Conor McGregor just admit he could actually be done with fighting?! 😳
“I’ve got two fights on the contract… I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me right now.” 👀 pic.twitter.com/eOf1LHkLCJ
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) March 28, 2025
Following his White House visit, McGregor has embraced a “Make Ireland Great Again” campaign, sporting a cap with the slogan whilst standing in front of a private jet in his presidential announcement on Instagram.
The UFC fighter has been vocal about his opposition to what he describes as “rampant immigration” in Ireland.
He claims to have had “productive meetings” with senior officials during his Washington visit.
McGregor has specifically targeted the EU Migration Pact in his political messaging.
READ MORE: Liam Lawson’s girlfriend uploads picture that speaks volumes after Christian Horner axes Red Bull star
On Instagram, he wrote: “Ireland must fully implement the EU Migration Pact by June 12, 2026. So between now and 12 June 2026, several pieces of legislation have to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas & then signed by the President.”
He promised to put the pact to a referendum if elected, stating: “Although I oppose greatly this pact, it is neither mine nor governments choice to make. It is the people of Ireland’s choice! Always! That is a true democracy!”
Despite his political ambitions, McGregor still has two fights remaining on his UFC contract.
He acknowledged this at the BKFC press conference, saying: “I’ve got two fights on the contract, I’m in negotiations.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
However, his focus appears to have shifted dramatically towards politics.
“I am happy with what I have done. There is something else for me that is in my gut right now. And that’s where we are going,” McGregor stated.
“We will see. Greatness don’t rush, and right now Ireland is in my thoughts. That’s where I am at.”
Conor McGregor recently visited the White House, with the UFC fighter alarmed by immigration in Ireland
GETTY
McGregor has made a direct appeal to Irish voters on social media platform X.
“Ireland, the choice is yours and it is an easy one. Vote for me as your President and we will SAVE IRELAND TOGETHER!” he posted.
The next Irish presidential election must take place by 11 November 2025.