Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: UFC, Conor McGregor
Nasir Jabbar
Conor McGregor has issued a shock statement on social media after 'consulting his family'.
McGregor hasn't fought since his crushing TKO defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021.
He was scheduled to return last summer against Michael Chandler until he was forced to pull out due to injury.
But the 'Notorious' has kept himself busy amid a lack of sporting competition.
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Earlier this year, he announced his plans to run for the Irish presidency.
And he recently called on his followers to contact local councillors on his behalf to support his bid.
However, McGregor has announced he is withdrawing from the race for the Irish presidency.
He had been due to address meetings on Monday in an attempt to get onto the ballot paper for October's election.
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The 37-year-old would have needed to be nominated either by 20 members of the Irish parliament or four local authorities.
In a statement on social media, McGregor wrote: "Following careful reflection, and after consulting with my family, I am withdrawing my candidacy from this presidential race.
"This was not an easy decision, but it is the right one at this moment in time.
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"While I will not contest this election, my commitment to Ireland does not end here.
"I will continue to serve my people by using my international platform to promote Irish interests abroad, to strengthen our economic opportunities, and to advocate for transparency and responsibility in public life at home."
The ex-UFC champion added: "This campaign has sparked an important conversation about democracy in Ireland about who gets to stand, who gets to choose, and how we can ensure that the presidency truly belongs to the people. That conversation will not end with my withdrawal.
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"The tide of change has begun, and it cannot be turned back.
"My first venture into politics, and although I have chosen to withdraw this round, meaningful progress has been made.
"I want to assure the people of Ireland that this will not be my last election. You will see me canvassing again in the future, fighting for your rights and representing the best interests of our nation.
"This is not the end, but the beginning of my political journey. I am driven by a commitment to improve lives, defend rights, and serve the Irish people with dedication and integrity.
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"I will continue to serve my people on the global stage lobbying for Ireland’s best interest’s socially and economically - of that there is no doubt."
McGregor's Irish presidency withdrawal means he can focus on his UFC comeback.
He is hellbent on returning to action and is eyeing a fight on the UFC White House event, which takes place next June.
On the UFC White House card, he said: "That's my event."
UFC CEO Dana White has backed McGregor's campaign to compete on the White House show.
He tipped him to potentially headline the card.
"Say what you will about Conor McGregor because people like to talk sh*t about that too, but he is that guy, and he’s always been that guy," he said on The W.A.D.E Concept.
"I’ve been in the room. I’ve been on the phone. Lots of people like to talk tough publicly, but behind the scenes, it’s a whole other ballgame. When the s**t hits the fan, who’s really willing to go out, and Conor McGregor has always been that guy."