Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor has officially embarked on an ambitious journey to become the next President of Ireland, a bid that has recently garnered high-profile support from global billionaire Elon Musk. The former UFC champion, known for his commanding presence in the octagon, is now attempting to transition his influential public persona into the political arena.
The 35-year-old Irish fighter first publicly declared his surprising presidential aspirations last week, although he had hinted at such a move for several months prior to his formal announcement on social media. This bold political endeavor marks a significant pivot for McGregor, who has previously made headlines for his sporting achievements and charismatic personality.
On September 4, McGregor took to social media to articulate the initial challenges of his campaign. He indicated that the public appeals for Irish citizens to contact their local council members for nominations had not yet generated sufficient support to meet the stringent requirements of current Irish election law. To qualify for the ballot, a candidate must be an Irish citizen aged 35 or older and secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) or a minimum of four local authorities.
Adding another layer of intrigue to his campaign, McGregor subsequently shared a photograph on social media depicting himself on a video call (FaceTime) with Elon Musk, recognized as one of the world’s wealthiest individuals. This interaction quickly led to a public endorsement from the 52-year-old American entrepreneur. Musk posted on his social media platform, X, declaring, “No one will fight for the Irish people more than Conor McGregor!” This powerful statement is widely perceived as a significant boost to McGregor’s public profile and a direct appeal to his extensive fanbase to rally behind his presidential bid.
Earlier in his campaign, McGregor released a two-minute video from outside the Irish government buildings in Dublin. In this address, he reiterated his strong stance against illegal immigration and called for an end to the current political leadership. He passionately urged local councilors who felt their voices were being ignored or their communities overlooked to stand with him. “Nominate me, and I will give you the platform and the power for your voice to truly be heard,” McGregor stated in the video, emphasizing his commitment to empowering local representatives. He further encouraged citizens to contact their local councilors immediately to demand change.
McGregor’s presidential ambitions first surfaced publicly in March, shortly after his visit to the White House alongside former President Donald Trump. The next Irish presidential election is slated for October 24, 2025. For McGregor to successfully have his name included on the ballot, he must secure the necessary nominations well in advance of the crucial September 24 deadline in the election year.
Currently, McGregor operates independently, without affiliation to any political party, and possesses no prior experience in elected office. Furthermore, his path to the presidency could be complicated by past controversies, including a 2018 alleged sexual assault case and ongoing legal disputes, as well as other public scandals. These factors present considerable hurdles for the mixed martial artist as he strives to achieve his highly ambitious political goal.
