UFC star Justin Gaethje is skeptical about Conor McGregor`s foray into Irish politics and his presidential campaign.
Conor McGregor`s shift towards Irish politics, potentially away from his UFC career as he aims for the Irish presidency in 2025, is seen by some as a significant move. However, fellow UFC fighter Justin Gaethje suggests McGregor`s political aspirations are merely a publicity stunt.
McGregor has been absent from the UFC Octagon since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. A planned return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler was cancelled due to a toe injury.
While his MMA comeback remains uncertain, McGregor has been involved in other ventures, including his newfound interest in Irish politics.
Justin Gaethje Believes McGregor Is Not Serious About Politics
McGregor`s announcement of his presidential ambitions caused a stir online. Despite experts considering his chances slim, McGregor seems determined to pursue political change in Ireland.
Reactions to McGregor`s political endeavor within the combat sports world have been mixed. Some believe it signals the end of his fighting career. Justin Gaethje, a former lightweight contender, thinks McGregor`s political aspirations are insincere.
In a recent appearance on the podcast Funky and the Champ, Gaethje responded to Daniel Cormier`s question about McGregor`s presidential chances with dismissiveness.
“Daniel, stop asking me about this nonsense,” Gaethje stated. “He knows nothing about Ireland and doesn`t care. It`s all about America.”
Gaethje`s comments are part of an ongoing exchange of words between him and McGregor. Following McGregor`s losses to Poirier in 2021, Gaethje expressed satisfaction at McGregor`s setbacks. McGregor previously called Gaethje a `clown` after Gaethje`s loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 274. McGregor has not yet responded to Gaethje`s latest remarks.
Conor McGregor Focuses on Politics, Possibly Ending Fighting Career
McGregor`s political commitment was further highlighted by his visit to the White House to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump. This invitation came after Trump praised McGregor`s achievements in fighting. McGregor in turn commended Trump`s work ethic.
After his White House visit, McGregor hinted at a possible retirement from fighting, raising questions about his UFC future. UFC officials have not publicly commented on McGregor`s statements, and he remains under contract with the UFC.
Justin Gaethje is potentially in line for a lightweight title fight against Islam Makhachev. Gaethje recently secured a victory against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 after a previous loss to Max Holloway.
The relationship between McGregor and Gaethje remains contentious, and the future of McGregor`s political ambitions and fighting career is uncertain. A move to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) seems a more plausible next step for McGregor than a return to MMA.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley