Conor McGregor Withdraws Ireland Presidential Bid Amid Skepticism

Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the presidency of Ireland, a decision that has raised eyebrows among some observers. This move follows his announcement on social media, where he cited “careful reflection” and discussions with his family as key factors in his choice to step back from the race. UFC legend Chael Sonnen has publicly questioned the legitimacy of McGregor’s campaign, asserting that the fighter was “never running” for president.

During an episode of his podcast, “You’re Welcome!”, Sonnen expressed doubt about the seriousness of McGregor’s intentions. “Conor McGregor has withdrawn his pending plans to be the President of Ireland. Well, there’s one problem with that, Conor, you were never running for President of Ireland,” he stated. Sonnen emphasized that there were no campaign funds raised or supporters mobilized, suggesting that the entire endeavor lacked authenticity.

The timing of McGregor’s withdrawal is particularly notable. Just hours before he was scheduled to present his candidacy to the Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council, he opted to pull out. Reports indicate that the council had planned to question him primarily through its female representatives, which may have influenced his decision. Councillor Mannix Flynn, who has previously criticized McGregor’s suitability for the role, suggested that this information could have reached McGregor, potentially impacting his choice to exit the race.

In November 2022, McGregor faced serious allegations when a jury found him liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel room in December 2018. The court awarded Hand nearly €250,000 in damages, and McGregor’s attempt to appeal this ruling was rejected in July 2023. As the legal battles continue, his representatives have sought to take the case to the Supreme Court.

Despite these challenges, McGregor recently confirmed his return to the UFC, announcing participation in an upcoming event at the White House in June 2026. This event is being organized by UFC president Dana White and former President Donald Trump, marking a high-profile fight that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. White shared the news with his Instagram followers, stating, “The White House fight is on. We got it done today.”

McGregor, who has not been in the Octagon since his losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021, expressed excitement about his return. “I’m on it, this is me,” he said in an interview with Fox News. White also indicated that they are committed to creating an exceptional fight card for the event, aiming to rekindle McGregor’s competitive spirit.

However, not everyone is convinced that a match between McGregor and Michael Chandler, a challenger he has called out, will generate the excitement it once might have. MMA veteran Matt Brown dismissed the potential fight as “completely irrelevant” and questioned whether it would attract significant interest among fans.

As McGregor navigates through his legal issues and prepares for a return to the ring, questions remain about his future in both the sports arena and the political landscape. The abrupt withdrawal from the presidential race adds another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous career, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what his next steps will entail.