Imagine the former UFC champion Conor McGregor vying for the presidency of Ireland, just days after losing a high-stakes civil rape case appeal. That’s right, McGregor has officially thrown his hat into the ring, igniting a storm of reactions and raising eyebrows across the political landscape.

In a bold social media announcement, McGregor, 37, declared his intention to run for the esteemed office of President of Ireland. This revelation comes after he hinted at his ambitions back in March, suggesting that he was eyeing political power long before this recent legal setback. With a picture of his family accompanying the post, McGregor reached out to the citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, stating, 'I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland.'

But here’s the kicker: he’s not just interested in the title. McGregor believes that the current election laws are stacked against ordinary citizens. According to him, the existing regulations require candidates to secure nominations from either twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils, creating unnecessary barriers to democratic participation. He’s calling for a change in these laws to make it easier for everyday folks to run for office, emphasizing that citizens should have the right to determine who appears on the ballot.

Right after his announcement, McGregor urged his followers to sign a petition advocating for modifications in the nomination process. As of Tuesday morning, this petition titled 'Let the People Decide' has already garnered over 7,445 verified signatures, showcasing a surprising level of support for his radical idea.

This ambitious political move comes on the heels of his recent legal troubles, as just four days prior, Ireland’s Court of Appeal dismissed McGregor’s challenge to a civil ruling that found him liable for sexually assaulting woman Nikita Hand in 2018. McGregor was ordered to pay Hand €248,000 in damages, and she has since launched further legal action against him, claiming malicious abuse of court processes.

Despite his bold ambitions, many politicians have reacted with skepticism to McGregor's presidential aspirations. A poll conducted among 134 politicians revealed that every respondent rejected his plan outright. One politician even went as far as to call him a 'misogynist and a thug,' firmly stating, 'On behalf of the women of Ireland, he can f*** off.'

Currently, McGregor has no political affiliation and lacks any elected office experience. Even if he were to secure the presidency, the role is largely ceremonial—lacking the power to propose or pass laws independently. Yet, McGregor's pursuit of this position raises questions about the intersection of celebrity and politics in modern society, making us wonder: could he actually change the game?