Did Conor McGregor Abandon Presidential Ambitions Amid Rumors Of UFC White House Card Involvement?

Aug 25, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Conor McGregor (right) and UFC president Dana White during weigh ins for the upcoming boxing match at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Politics and mixed martial arts rarely cross paths, but when they do, the results can be explosive. Conor McGregor has always been one to chase the spotlight, whether inside the octagon or outside it. The Irish fighter’s larger-than-life personality made him a global superstar, but it also led him down some unexpected roads. His recent foray into Irish politics caught everyone off guard when he announced his intention to run for president of Ireland. The timing seemed odd for a man who hadn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, but McGregor insisted he was serious about serving his country in a different capacity.

However, Conor McGregor’s presidential ambitions came to an abrupt end on Monday morning when he withdrew from the race just hours before crucial council meetings. Something changed his mind at the last possible moment and fans are clawing at any information regarding this.

Conor McGregor Withdraws From Presidential Race At Critical Moment

The timing of McGregor’s withdrawal couldn’t have been more suspicious. Monday was being called “super primary” day with eleven Irish councils scheduled to hold special meetings to consider presidential nominations. Candidates need support from either twenty parliament members or four local authorities to get on the ballot, and McGregor was actively seeking these crucial endorsements. His campaign had gained some momentum despite facing harsh criticism from political leaders.

McGregor’s submission to Dublin City Council painted him as someone who could connect with younger generations and bring fresh energy to the presidency. He highlighted his international platform and business investments that allegedly created thousands of jobs in Ireland.

The former champion seemed confident about his chances and had been making the media rounds to promote his political aspirations. Yet something made him pull the plug just when the real work was about to begin.

“Following careful reflection, and consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment.”

🚨 Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the Ireland presidential race

“Following careful reflection, and consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race. This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment.” pic.twitter.com/RdJXU2LOei

— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) September 15, 2025

The withdrawal surprised many who thought the former two-division champion was genuinely committed to pursuing Ireland’s highest office. McGregor had submitted detailed proposals to Dublin City Council about using constitutional provisions to restore power to Irish citizens. Many suggested external factors may have influenced his decision more than internal family discussions.

Dana White’s UFC White House Card Plans May Hold The Key

The timing of McGregor’s political withdrawal becomes even more intriguing when viewed alongside Dana White’s recent announcement about hosting a UFC White House Card. The UFC president revealed plans for an unprecedented fight card on the South Lawn in 2026, complete with 5,000 live spectators and 85,000 more watching from a nearby park. Talking to Wade Plemons, White made it crystal clear that he wants McGregor, not Jon Jones, to headline this historic event, praising the Irishman’s reliability and star power for such a massive stage.

“I need people on this card that I can count on, no matter what happens…And say you want about Conor McGregor, he has always been that guy.”

A sitting presidential candidate headlining a UFC event would create impossible conflicts of interest and political complications that neither the UFC nor the White House would want to navigate. McGregor’s decision to abandon his political ambitions just days after White’s announcement suggests the fighter may have realized he couldn’t pursue both opportunities simultaneously.

The UFC White House card represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make combat sports history. Meanwhile, the Irish presidency would be a four year commitment that could derail his fighting career permanently. For someone like Conor McGregor who was made famous by his time in the UFC, the choice between political service and sporting spectacle was probably easier than most people realize.

(Image Credit: Mark J. Rebilas – Imagn Images)

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!