Conor McGregor himself is the reason for the latest postponement of his anticipated return to fighting.
It has been almost four years since fans last witnessed McGregor in a combat sports competition. His last appearance was at UFC 264 in July 2021, a fight that ended in a broken leg and his second defeat to Dustin Poirier. Currently, McGregor is still waiting to schedule his next fight, all while balancing his responsibilities as a co-owner of BKFC and his apparent ambition to become the President of Ireland.
Following the BKFC 70 event in Florida, McGregor addressed the media regarding his UFC contract and the timeline for his potential return to the octagon.
“As I mentioned, I have two fights remaining on my contract. Negotiations are ongoing,” McGregor stated. “Recently, something significant happened to me. I visited the White House, and my country is heavily on my mind right now. There are many issues happening back home in Ireland.”
“I am satisfied with my accomplishments. However, I feel a pull towards something else right now, and that’s the direction I am leaning. We`ll see what happens. Greatness takes its time. There was a recent proposal for me to fight in Alcatraz, at an event supposedly happening there in June. They made an offer, but it didn’t meet my value. As a fighter, you must recognize your worth. I hold every pay-per-view and gate record. My comeback is anticipated to be the biggest and most awaited in history. At the moment, Ireland is my priority. It will happen, I`m sure. It`s always great to be here, and that`s where things stand.”
McGregor did not specify which organization proposed the Alcatraz Island fight. Alcatraz, the former infamous federal penitentiary that closed in 1963, is now a tourist destination in San Francisco.
Regarding his White House visit, McGregor made headlines on March 17 when he met with former President Donald Trump. McGregor has often praised Trump and expressed his admiration for Trump`s work ethic. This visit aligns with McGregor`s political aspirations, as he has announced his intention to run for President of Ireland, a largely symbolic role, as the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) is the head of government.
Recently, McGregor has been using his social media platforms to voice his criticism of the Irish government, especially regarding immigration policies. While he desires to bring about change in Ireland, he also acknowledges a degree of showmanship in his presidential ambitions.
“‘And now entering the octagon, the notorious President of Ireland, Conor McGregor,’” McGregor joked when asked about fighting while in office. “Absolutely, why wouldn`t I? That’s part of the appeal – to be announced as the President of Ireland before a fight. Imagine that. Yes, absolutely.”
It remains unclear if McGregor has officially filed the paperwork for a presidential campaign. While he remains a prominent figure in combat sports, his political aspirations could be complicated by his history of public controversies. He was recently found liable in a civil sexual assault case from 2018 in Dublin and is facing another civil suit related to alleged sexual assault in Miami in 2023.
Concerning potential opponents for his return to competition, BKFC fighter Mike Perry was mentioned at the press conference. McGregor expressed openness to a fight with Perry, given their history.
“Platinum is doing something with big, soft gloves, I`m not sure what it is,” McGregor commented on Perry’s BKFC career. “What’s it called, dirty boxing? He should come back to MMA. Mike still loves the fight game, and we always have love for Mike Perry. A fight between me and Mike would be great, definitely, 100 percent.”
