Conor McGregor has officially withdrawn from the Irish presidential race, and former teammate Artem Lobov says it may be a good decision.
McGregor, known for his unpredictable actions in recent years, keeps fans guessing about his next move. Observers remain unsure if he will return to the UFC, but he seems committed to pursuing political ambitions. For now, however, Ireland will not see him on the ballot.
Lobov Reflects on McGregor’s Political Aspirations
Artem Lobov spoke candidly about McGregor’s withdrawal in an interview with MMA Fighting. He highlighted that McGregor has long held political ambitions.
“Running for president is something we discussed for years,” Lobov said. “I even tried arranging a meeting with Vladimir Putin for Conor. We thought it could help build important political contacts. Putin is a key global figure. Conor always wanted to connect with leaders like him.”
Timing and Readiness Matter
Lobov emphasized that the timing for McGregor’s run was not right. “I support his decision to withdraw,” he said. “He isn’t in the right mindset to run for president. He must get his priorities in order first. We even saw him skip a press conference, and that is unusual for Conor.”
He added, “The Conor I know would never back down. I saw him fight for the interim belt despite severe knee injuries. Both ligaments were torn, and he could barely walk. Yet he still showed up. That is the Conor who could truly lead Ireland.”
A Leader in the Making
Lobov believes McGregor possesses the qualities of a strong president. “That Conor would address the country’s pressing issues,” he said. “He has the courage, determination, and charisma to make an impact. People might doubt him, but I know his potential. Ireland might just see a leader emerge from an unexpected place.”
McGregor’s political journey may pause for now, but his ambitions remain alive. Observers will watch closely to see when, or if, he makes a return to the political stage.
