Irish mixed martial arts fighter, former champion of the Absolute Fighting Championship (UFC) in two weight categories Conor McGregor has remained outside the Octagon since July 2021. Will the star return to MMA? Unclear. And while fans are wondering whether the Notorious One has an incentive to continue fighting, the athlete is active in politics and even hints at a desire to become president.
It all started with protests in Dublin. On November 23, Irish media reported an attack by an unknown person with a knife near a girls’ school. Five people were injured, including three children. Police said the suspect was a man over 50 years of age who carried out the attack alone. The press supplemented the portrait of the criminal with the fact that he was a newcomer, but with Irish citizenship, and social networks spread rumors about the attacker from Algeria.
As a result, the incident provoked protests in Dublin, which then resulted in riots in the center of the capital. Law enforcement agencies pointed out that the organizers of the pogroms with cars set on fire and stores looted were “guided by far-right ideology.” Authorities estimate that about 500 people took part in the riots, and 34 were detained; the damage caused is estimated at tens of millions of euros.
“Ireland has no future!” McGregor did not stay away from the events in his homeland. He called for changes in the country and criticized the government's performance during a difficult period.
“
"Ireland, we are at war! In Dublin, a mentally unstable man mercilessly cut children. A threat has appeared in our society that should not be there, and no action has been taken to in any way support the population in connection with this frightening factor. They didn’t lift a finger!” — the athlete was indignant.
After the Irishman’s attack on social networks, the far-right political party in the UK, Britain First, invited the world star to become a symbol of their struggle and lead a protest march. McGregor was not impressed by this impulse — he said that he did not support the pogroms in Dublin, and again went through the authorities:
“
“I don’t justify pogroms, I don’t justify attacks on police officers while on duty. I do not condone looting and broken windows. Last night's events did nothing to resolve the problems we faced. However, I understand people's frustration and that steps need to be taken to make the changes they want happen. And they need to be done immediately! I'm in the process of organizing. Believe me, I have tactics and support. There will be change in Ireland, mark my words. They are necessary.»
In addition, the Notorious One recalled the case of a young primary school teacher killed by a native of Slovakia and other high-profile crimes, giving the government an ultimatum:
“»Last month, innocent children were stabbed to death as they left school. Ashlyn Murphy was killed. Two in Sligo heads were cut off… Ireland has no future with this! If the government does not soon begin to implement its plan to ensure security in the country, I will do it! «
The Irish police even began an investigation against the former UFC champion on suspicion of inciting ethnic hatred (faces up to two years in prison).
Make Ireland great againConor, by the way, deleted the posts, later explaining that “the widely publicized statements remain valid.”
The people, as expected, were fascinated by the theses of the idol, who sided with his compatriots and spoke harshly against politicians. McGregor's social networks were immediately filled with comments calling for him to nominate himself for the post of President of Ireland (since 2011, this position has been held by Michael Higgins — editor's note). Fans wrote that they «need Braveheart» and that «it's time to change the country.» The Irish also expressed confidence that McGregor would make an excellent leader (“he has plenty of money, which means Conor will not go into politics to make money”).
And the day before McGregor called himself the President of Ireland. On his social networks, he published a photo in a white suit, and with the caption “Ireland, your president,” provoked new rumors about his non-sports future. Which, despite the assurances of UFC head Dana White about an agreed fight against American Michael Chandler, is inexorably approaching.
Today, the 35-year-old Irishman reflected on potential opponents in the elections and “modestly” praised himself:
“< p>"Jerry Adam — 78 years old, Bertie Ahern — 75 years old, Enda Kenny — 74 years old. Each of them is inextricably linked with the politics of their party. These parties govern themselves, not the people. And there I am — 35 years old, young, active, enthusiastic, fresh blood in the game. I listen, I support, I adapt. I have no affiliation/bias/favoritism. They will indeed be held accountable due to the current change in mood in society. I would even take a vote on this. To be sure, voting will take place every week. I can finance this. It would not be me who would be in power as President, but the people of Ireland. It would be me and you.»
Conor McGregorIrish MMA fighter
Bookmakers, meanwhile, opened a line on The Notorious One's victory in the 2025 elections. Bets are accepted on a fighter's participation in parliamentary elections, presidential nomination, membership in parliament and victory in elections.
- < u>Important: To stand for President of Ireland, you must be over 35 years of age and have been nominated by at least 20 Members of Parliament or four local authorities.
Свежие комментарии