Conor McGregor himself is the reason for the latest delay in his highly anticipated comeback to the octagon.
Nearly four years have passed since fight enthusiasts last witnessed McGregor in action. His last appearance was at UFC 264 in July 2021, a bout that concluded with a leg injury and his second defeat to Dustin Poirier. Currently, McGregor is still on hold regarding his next fight, simultaneously managing his role as a co-owner of BKFC and, surprisingly, exploring a presidential candidacy in his home country of Ireland.
Following Thursday`s BKFC 70 event in Florida, McGregor addressed the media, discussing his UFC contract status and the timeline for his potential return to fighting.
“As I`ve mentioned, I have two fights remaining on my contract. Negotiations are underway,” McGregor stated. “Recently, something significant happened. I visited the White House, and my nation is deeply in my thoughts right now. My heart aches for Ireland given the current situation. There are significant issues at home.”
“I am content with my accomplishments. However, there is another path that resonates deeply within me at this moment, and that`s the direction I`m leaning towards. We`ll see what unfolds. True greatness cannot be rushed. There was a recent proposition, a potential agreement, to compete in Alcatraz. An event is scheduled in Alcatraz, I believe in June, and they approached me, but the offer didn`t reflect my value. As a fighter, one must recognize their worth. I hold every pay-per-view record, every gate record. My return will undoubtedly be heralded as the most significant and eagerly awaited comeback in history. At this moment, Ireland is my primary focus. It will happen, I`m confident, and it`s always a pleasure to be here.”
McGregor didn`t specify which organization proposed the Alcatraz Island fight. Alcatraz Island is infamous for the former Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which closed in 1963 and has since become a popular tourist destination in San Francisco.
Regarding his White House visit, McGregor made headlines on March 17th when he traveled to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. McGregor has often publicly admired Trump and on this occasion conveyed to him that “his work ethic is inspiring.” This visit aligns with McGregor`s burgeoning political aspirations, as he later declared his intention to run for President of Ireland, a largely symbolic role in Ireland where the Taoiseach, or Prime Minister, holds the actual executive power.
Recently, McGregor has been actively using his extensive social media presence to voice criticism of the Irish government, particularly regarding its current immigration policies. While he has expressed a genuine desire to effect change in Ireland, he also acknowledged the element of spectacle in his presidential ambitions.
“`And now entering the octagon, the notorious President of Ireland, Conor McGregor,`” McGregor mused when asked about potentially combining fighting with presidential duties. “Absolutely, I would, are you kidding? That’s part of the appeal for me. To be announced as the President of Ireland stepping into a fight. Imagine the impact. Definitely, yes, absolutely.”
It remains uncertain whether McGregor has officially filed the necessary paperwork for a presidential campaign. While he remains a prominent figure in combat sports, his political aspirations could be complicated by his past public controversies. He was recently found liable in a civil sexual assault case related to a 2018 Dublin incident and is currently facing another civil suit concerning alleged sexual assault from 2023 in Miami.
Concerning potential opponents should McGregor return to fighting, BKFC personality and Dirty Boxing proponent Mike Perry was brought up at Thursday`s press conference. McGregor indicated he would be open to a match with “Platinum” Perry, considering their history.
“Platinum is engaged in something with the large, padded gloves, I’m not entirely sure what it is,” McGregor commented. “What is it called, the dirty style? Alright, he should come back to traditional fighting. Mike still shows passion for the fight game, and we’ll always have respect for Mike Perry, for sure. A fight between me and Mike would be fantastic, definitely, 100 percent.”
