Nearly four years have passed since Conor McGregor last stepped into the UFC octagon, and recent comments suggest he might have swapped his fighter’s gloves for good. During a recent appearance at a BKFC event in Florida, the iconic former two-division champion revealed he turned down a return fight, hinting instead at a new ambition—running for the presidency in Ireland. His remark, "I’m happy with what I’ve done," seemed more like a farewell than a promise of a comeback.
While these statements imply McGregor’s fighting career might be over, UFC legend Matt Brown recalls that this was always part of McGregor’s plan. It’s something the Irish sensation hinted at back when he first gained fame. "He told us like 10 years ago what he was going to do," Brown said on the latest edition of The Fighter vs. The Writer. "Remember him saying, ‘I’m going to come in, take over, make money, and then get out’?"
"He mentioned the brutal nature of the sport and warned against staying in too long—a decade ago," Brown continued. "He laid it all out, and now he’s following through."
Even though Brown observed some years back that McGregor seemed unlikely to fight again, he acknowledged how difficult it must be to step away from the limelight, especially when you’re the UFC’s biggest draw. The legendary allure of a comeback never strayed far from McGregor’s mind, but with his eyes on the Irish presidency and a new role as co-owner of BKFC, he’s found fresh ways to stay in the public eye without fighting.
"This isn’t a shock," Brown noted. "He’s finally admitting it. He loves the spotlight, loves weighing in on everything. He’s kept his voice out there and we’re still talking about it."
Brown insists McGregor has effectively navigated the media landscape, maintaining relevance even with his fighting career in the rearview mirror. “He’s played the media game well,” Brown said. "It’s like he’s confirming what we already suspected."
While McGregor’s presidential bid might seem far-fetched to many in Ireland, the naysayers once said the same about Donald Trump’s 2016 run. However, unlike the U.S. presidency, Ireland’s role is largely symbolic—a kind of figurehead. Brown speculates McGregor could thrive in this role, although past controversies could haunt him if he ever seriously runs for office.
“Conor’s a skilled speaker,” Brown commented, noting his wit and sharpness. "But his reputation might not scream ‘national representative material.’ If he could shake off past allegations, he’d do brilliantly.”
Beyond the political arena, McGregor has embraced a significant role in BKFC after becoming a co-owner. Brown is impressed by his fervor for the bare-knuckle scene, another avenue for McGregor to capture headlines without re-entering the fighting ring.
“He’s a natural fit for BKFC,” Brown praised. “Fans love it. His energy is perfect for it. It’s great for BKFC—actually, it’s pretty cool.”
Whether building BKFC into a powerhouse or pursuing political aspirations, Brown believes McGregor has plenty to focus on besides a return to fighting. Brown hopes whatever path McGregor chooses brings him happiness, acknowledging that his legacy in the fighting world is already cemented.
“I hope he does amazing things,” Brown wished. “He should take care of himself and represent well. Life’s about living fully.”
And as for a comeback? Brown feels confident he’s right. "He’s not returning. I said it before, and he told us. I just don’t get why no one listened."
Catch new episodes of The Fighter vs. The Writer every Tuesday, with audio versions available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.
