The MMA superstar Conor McGregor has set his political sights on Ireland’s highest office, drawing inspiration from Donald Trump’s playbook. The controversial fighter, known as “The Notorious,” has recently announced his presidential ambitions, positioning himself as an anti-establishment figure focused on immigration issues and national identity. This unexpected political pivot has sparked debate throughout Ireland, with many questioning whether the former UFC champion’s controversial past and inflammatory rhetoric make him suitable for political leadership.
From octagon champion to political contender
Conor McGregor’s journey from a Dublin plumber’s apprentice to global sports icon has been nothing short of remarkable. The five-time world champion (featherweight and lightweight) built his reputation not only on his fighting prowess but also on his provocative persona outside the ring. His transition into politics represents a new chapter in an already colorful career that has seen him become one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
In 2020, Forbes magazine named McGregor the highest-paid sportsperson globally, with earnings reaching approximately €170 million. His financial success has provided him with a platform and resources that many traditional politicians lack. Like many wealthy businessmen who enter politics, McGregor presents himself as someone who cannot be bought or influenced by special interests.
The former MMA star has been increasingly vocal about Irish politics in recent years. Following anti-immigrant riots in Dublin in late 2023, which erupted after a knife attack on children by an Irish citizen of foreign descent, McGregor declared: “If the authorities don’t quickly implement an action plan to ensure Ireland’s safety, I will!” This statement marked one of his first explicit indications of political ambition.
His political messaging often mirrors Trump’s approach, focusing on nationalist themes and anti-immigration rhetoric. “Save Ireland Now!” he proclaims on social media, followed by statements like “Power wrenched from the political elites. Truth will prevail. Ireland will be free.” These populist messages resonate with a segment of the Irish population that feels disenfranchised by traditional politics.
The Trump playbook in Irish politics
McGregor’s political aspirations became more evident when he visited Donald Trump at the White House on March 17, 2025, during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. During this high-profile visit, he expressed concerns about “illegal immigration rackets” and warned about Ireland “losing its identity.” These statements closely mirror Trump’s own rhetoric on immigration issues in the United States.
The fighting champion has clearly aligned himself with the MAGA movement and its European affiliates. He has described Trump as a “phenomenal president” and has been photographed with prominent right-wing figures including:
- Nigel Farage, the British Brexit campaigner
- Elon Musk, Trump’s advisor and tech billionaire
- Various MAGA-affiliated politicians and influencers
The MAGA movement has shown particular interest in MMA fighters and their fanbase, viewing young male sports enthusiasts as a key demographic for political recruitment. McGregor’s massive social media following provides a ready-made audience for his political messaging, with millions of followers across various platforms.
His campaign style mirrors Trump’s confrontational approach. Just as he would verbally assault opponents before fights (once yelling “I’m going to kill you” to Nate Diaz before their 2016 bout), McGregor employs provocative language in his political communications. “The days of weak men destroying countries are over!” he recently proclaimed, adding that he has “the complete and total support of the entire Trump administration.”
| Trump’s Approach | McGregor’s Adaptation |
|---|---|
| Anti-immigration rhetoric | Warnings about Ireland “losing its identity” |
| Anti-establishment positioning | “Power wrenched from political elites” |
| Use of social media for direct communication | Frequent inflammatory posts to millions of followers |
| Portraying traditional politicians as weak | “The days of weak men destroying countries are over” |
Obstacles facing McGregor’s political aspirations
Despite his celebrity status and wealth, McGregor faces significant barriers to achieving his political ambitions. Irish constitutional requirements present the first major hurdle, as presidential candidates must secure endorsements from either 20 members of parliament or four local authorities before they can officially run. Political analysts consider it highly unlikely that McGregor could obtain these necessary endorsements given his controversial reputation.
The fighter’s legal troubles pose another substantial obstacle. In November 2024, a Dublin court ordered McGregor to pay approximately €250,000 in damages to a woman who accused him of having “brutally raped and beaten” her in a hotel in 2018. While he has appealed this verdict, he also faces a civil lawsuit in the United States for another alleged sexual assault in Florida.
These legal challenges have already impacted his public standing. Following his civil conviction for rape:
- Several sponsors terminated their contracts with him
- Supermarkets stopped selling his branded products
- Ireland’s National Wax Museum removed his statue
- Public opinion turned increasingly against him
The Irish political establishment has firmly rejected McGregor’s political posturing. When he made controversial statements at the White House, Prime Minister Micheal Martin responded by stating that “Conor McGregor’s remarks are false and do not reflect the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, nor the opinions of the Irish people.” Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris added that the ex-fighter was not “speaking on behalf of Ireland” and compared him to controversial influencer Andrew Tate.
Irish journalist Justine McCarthy captured the sentiment of many in the country when she wrote in The Guardian that “the fighter will not be president anytime soon” and described his White House visit as an insult. Another journalist, Maria Ward-Brennan, stated that “for us ordinary Irish, the mere mention of his name evokes a feeling of embarrassment.”
While McGregor has successfully positioned himself as the figurehead of what McCarthy describes as “Ireland’s small but active far-right minority,” his path to legitimate political power remains blocked by legal, constitutional, and reputational barriers. Nonetheless, his adoption of Trump-style populism signals a new development in Irish politics that many observers are watching with concern.
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