Did you ever think a UFC champion would want to be President of Ireland? Well, Conor McGregor is throwing his hat into the political arena just days after suffering a significant legal setback in a civil rape case appeal!

The notorious fighter, who has been hinting at his presidential aspirations since March, took to social media to make it official. In a surprising turn of events that feels straight out of a movie script, McGregor announced his intention to change Ireland’s election laws to make it easier for individuals like him to get on the ballot.

At 37, McGregor is no stranger to the spotlight, but this time he’s in it for something much more serious than a championship belt. In his heartfelt message to the citizens of Ireland and the Irish diaspora, he wrote, 'I, Conor McGregor hereby declare my intention to seek the esteemed office of President of Ireland.' This determination follows an unsuccessful appeal where three judges upheld a ruling that found him liable for sexually assaulting a woman in 2018, a case that has now taken on a life of its own with further legal repercussions against him.

McGregor voiced his frustration with the current electoral system, claiming it makes it unnecessarily difficult for ordinary citizens to participate. He pointed out that candidates are required to secure nominations from twenty members of the Oireachtas or four county councils, which he argues stifles the voices of the electorate. His call to action includes a petition to reform these nomination processes, stating, 'The citizens of Ireland, both at home and abroad, should have the unhindered right to determine the candidates who appear on the presidential ballot.'

In a plea for support, he directed his millions of followers to a Change.org petition titled 'Let the People Decide', which has already garnered over 7,445 verified signatures. It seems this fight has become more than just about political office; it’s now a battle for public opinion in light of his previous legal troubles.

McGregor’s announcement comes hot on the heels of a court ruling that ordered him to pay €248,000 in damages to his accuser, Nikita Hand, in a civil trial that concluded in November 2024. Hand has since launched additional legal action against him, alleging malicious abuse of court processes involving other defendants.

While McGregor currently has no political party affiliation or elected office experience, he has certainly made waves with his controversial statements. His previous remarks on immigration and his characterization of Ireland's cultural identity sparked widespread backlash earlier this year.

Despite the heavy odds stacked against him, including a poll of politicians where every respondent rejected his bid, McGregor remains undeterred. One politician summed up the general sentiment when they said, 'He's a misogynist and a thug. On behalf of the women of Ireland, he can f*** off.' As he steps into the political ring, it’s clear that McGregor’s journey is just beginning, and it promises to be anything but ordinary.