McGregor’s Fighting Future in Doubt: Is the UFC Star Prioritizing Politics Over the Octagon?

Conor McGregor has always been unpredictable, but his latest comments at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) press conference in Florida might be his most revealing yet. The former two-division UFC champion appears to be setting the stage for life after fighting – and that future seems increasingly political.

During Thursday’s appearance, McGregor’s tone and messaging painted the picture of a man with his mind already outside the cage. For fans hoping to see the Notorious one return to UFC glory, the signs aren’t promising.

The Political Pivot: McGregor’s New Battlefield

McGregor, never shy about his opinions, has become increasingly vocal about Irish politics in recent years. At the BKFC event, he practically confirmed what many have suspected – his political ambitions are now taking precedence over his fighting career.

“I’ve got other things happening right now,” McGregor told the crowd when asked about his fighting future. “The political landscape in Ireland needs voices like mine. There are issues that need addressing, and I’ve got the platform to make real change.”

This isn’t just casual interest. McGregor has been ramping up his political commentary on social media, engaging with current events in Ireland with the same fervor he once reserved for pre-fight trash talk.

The UFC Comeback That May Never Happen

Remember when McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303? That fight fell through due to a broken toe, and the rescheduling talks have gone suspiciously quiet.

UFC CEO Dana White has remained characteristically vague about McGregor’s return, saying only that “we’ll see what happens” when pressed for updates. Meanwhile, Chandler continues to wait for a payday that increasingly feels like it might never materialize.

The reality? McGregor hasn’t fought since July 2021, when he suffered a gruesome leg break against Dustin Poirier. That’s over three years of inactivity – a lifetime in combat sports.

McGregor’s Fighting Legacy: Already Secured?

Let’s be honest – McGregor has nothing left to prove in the octagon. He’s made more money than any MMA fighter in history. He’s held two UFC titles simultaneously. He crossed over to box Floyd Mayweather in one of the biggest sporting events ever.

At 36, with multiple business ventures and apparent political aspirations, the hunger that drove him to the top might simply be directed elsewhere now.

I’ve followed McGregor’s career from the beginning, and this feels different from his previous hiatuses. There’s a finality to his recent statements that suggests he’s made peace with moving on from active competition.

What This Means for the UFC

The UFC has diversified its star power in recent years, but McGregor remains its biggest draw. His absence leaves a considerable void in the promotion’s ability to generate mainstream interest and pay-per-view sales.

Stars like Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, and Alex Pereira have picked up some of the slack, but none combine McGregor’s provocative personality with crossover appeal.

The Business Side: McGregor’s Empire Beyond Fighting

While McGregor might be stepping away from combat, his business empire continues to thrive. His Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey venture reportedly earned him over $150 million when he sold his majority stake. Add in his pub acquisitions, clothing line, and other investments, and fighting becomes financially unnecessary.

These business ventures provide McGregor with both the financial security and the public platform to pursue political ambitions without the physical toll of training camps and fights.

What’s Next for The Notorious?

While McGregor hasn’t officially announced retirement, his trajectory seems clear. The fighter who once declared he’d “take over the whole game” appears ready to play a different game entirely.

For Irish politics, McGregor’s entry would bring his characteristic bombast and media savvy to a new arena. Whether his political positions would resonate with voters remains to be seen, but he certainly wouldn’t suffer from lack of name recognition.

As for fighting? Never say never, but the longer McGregor stays away, the less likely a meaningful return becomes. The sport moves quickly, and three years is an eternity in MMA evolution.

The Final Bell?

For now, we’re left to read between the lines of press conference appearances and social media posts. But if this is indeed the end of McGregor’s fighting career, what a ride it’s been.

From collecting welfare checks in Dublin to becoming the face of a global sport, McGregor’s journey redefined what was possible for MMA fighters. Perhaps it’s fitting that he’d be the one to show there’s life after fighting, too.

What do you think? Has McGregor fought his last fight? Would you rather see him in the octagon or on the political stage? Let me know in the comments below.

Source: BKFC press conference, Florida, August 2023