Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has ended his bid for the Irish presidency, announcing his withdrawal from the race.
The 37-year-old fighter revealed his decision through social media after what he described as “careful reflection” and discussions with his family.
McGregor stated that while the choice wasn’t easy, he believed it was “the right one at this moment in time”.
He had been scheduled to address Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council later that afternoon, seeking to secure the required nominations to appear on the ballot paper.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has ended his bid for the Irish presidency, announcing his withdrawal from the race on Monday morning
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GETTYThe mixed martial arts star insisted that he had been “sincere and genuine” about his presidential ambitions.
McGregor then launched a scathing attack on Ireland’s electoral system, alleging that his candidacy had exposed how the current framework favours establishment-backed contenders whilst blocking outsiders from competing for the presidency.
“Ireland has drastically changed in recent years, however, is constraint by the straitjacket of an outdated Constitution that is selectively upheld by the main Oireachtas parties,” McGregor’s statement read.
“And exploited to prevent a true democratic Presidential election being contested, but rather fixed to ensure only Establishment approved candidates may be selected on the ballot.”
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Conor McGregor visited the White House in March of this year
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GETTY
The former fighter claimed the system represents a “democratic deficit against the will of the Irish people” and accused mainstream political parties of selectively upholding constitutional rules.
McGregor vowed that his political ambitions remain intact, declaring: “This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey”.
He pledged to utilise his global platform to advocate for Irish interests abroad and promote economic opportunities for Ireland.
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“I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s best interests socially and economically of that there is no doubt,” he stated.
The former champion promised supporters he would return to campaign in future elections, insisting he would be “fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation”.
He concluded by insisting his transition into politics is “a marathon. Not a sprint!”
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Muintir na hÉireann, a chairde Ghaeil,
I recently announced my sincere and genuine intentions of running for the office of Uachtaráin na hÉireann.
I am a very passionate Gael and take great pride in our Country.
I have demonstrated this fighting Irish spirit on a world stage…
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 15, 2025
The Irish presidential election requires candidates to obtain backing from either 20 Oireachtas members or four local councils, alongside being an Irish citizen aged over 35.
Three contenders have already secured their place on the ballot for the October 24 poll.
Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys, a former government minister, and Fianna Fáil’s Jim Gavin, the ex-Dublin Gaelic football manager, represent the major parties.
Independent candidate Catherine Connolly has garnered support from Labour, the Social Democrats and People Before Profit.
Sinn Féin has yet to announce whether it will field its own candidate. The election follows Michael D. Higgins completing his constitutional limit of two terms as president.