In a move that surprised many and shocked some, Conor McGregor has declared he’s running for President of Ireland. Yes, that Conor McGregor — the UFC superstar known for knockouts, bravado, and controversy.

McGregor made the announcement earlier this year, posting on social media that he intends to enter the 2025 presidential race. His message was clear: he’s fed up with Ireland’s current direction, especially when it comes to immigration and EU policies. He’s promised to give the Irish public a say on the EU Migration Pact, calling for a national referendum if elected.

But here’s the catch — McGregor isn’t actually on the ballot, and it’s unclear if he ever will be.

Legal Hurdles

To officially run, he needs support from either 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local councils. So far, he has neither. A nationwide survey of councils found no formal backing, and Irish political insiders say his chances of qualifying are almost zero.

That hasn’t stopped him, though. He’s now pushing to change the rules, calling the nomination process “undemocratic” and launching a petition demanding reform. He’s also floated the idea of challenging the current system legally.

Public Divided

Reactions have been mixed. Some see McGregor as a voice for the voiceless — someone outside the political bubble, unafraid to speak bluntly. Others see the whole thing as a publicity stunt from a man with a long history of legal run-ins and controversy.

His critics argue that McGregor’s past — including assault charges and recent civil court losses — makes him unfit for public office, let alone the presidency.

What Now?

The election is set for October 24, 2025. If McGregor can somehow rally political support in time, he could still enter the race. But as it stands, it’s more likely he’ll be fighting the nomination rules than competing for votes.

One thing’s for sure — Conor McGregor’s political ambitions are turning heads, and whether or not he makes the ballot, he’s already making noise.