Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Irish presidential election, just hours before he was scheduled to address key council meetings in Dublin and Kildare. McGregor, who had been vying for the nominations required to appear on the ballot, cited “careful reflection and family consultations” as the reasons behind his decision. The 37-year-old former UFC champion expressed gratitude for the “support and encouragement” he received but criticized the election’s eligibility rules, calling them a “straitjacket” that hinders a truly democratic process. McGregor’s withdrawal comes after months of social media campaigning, during which he urged his followers to lobby local councillors for his nomination. However, his absence from early candidate presentations raised doubts about his commitment to the race. McGregor’s potential candidacy had already faced scrutiny due to his legal troubles, including a recent civil case in which he was ordered to pay £206,000 in damages for sexual assault allegations, which he denies. With McGregor out of the running, the focus now shifts to the three confirmed candidates: Catherine Connolly, Jim Gavin, and Heather Humphreys, each backed by major political parties. The Irish presidential election is set for October 24, with nominations closing on September 24.