Conor McGregor hasn`t fought in the UFC for almost four years, and his latest comments strongly suggest that his fighting career might be finished.
At a recent BKFC event in Florida, the former UFC two-division champion indicated he declined a potential comeback fight, focusing instead on a possible presidential run in Ireland. McGregor`s statement, “I’m happy with what I’ve done,” sounded more like a retirement announcement than a hint at a future return to the Octagon.
While these recent remarks suggest McGregor is done with fighting, UFC veteran Matt Brown believes this has been McGregor`s long-term plan since his rise to fame. Brown recalls McGregor stating his intention to make money and then leave the sport relatively early.
“He told us about 10 years ago what his plan was,” Brown stated on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast. “Remember him saying, ‘I’m going to come in, take over, make money, and get out’? He mentioned that this sport is brutal and not meant for a long career. He told us this many years ago, and he’s actually doing it.”
Brown had previously suggested McGregor might not fight again, acknowledging the allure of being a major UFC star. This appeal might have kept McGregor considering a return, but Brown now believes McGregor has found new ways to stay relevant, such as running for president and becoming a BKFC co-owner, which don`t require him to fight.
“This isn`t surprising at all,” Brown added. “He’s finally admitting what’s happening. He enjoys being in the news and sharing his opinions. He’s kept himself in the spotlight, and we continue to discuss him.”
“He`s done a great job managing the media. I’ve said before, he’s done with fighting. I think he’s just confirming what many of us already knew.”
Regarding McGregor`s chances of winning an election in Ireland, many experts are skeptical, though comparisons to Donald Trump`s U.S. presidential win have been made. The Irish presidency is less powerful than the U.S. equivalent, serving more as a symbolic role. Brown thinks McGregor`s speaking skills could make him suitable for this position, but his past controversies might negatively impact his electability.
“He’s a very articulate and witty speaker,” Brown commented. “While his public image might be questionable for a national representative, his communication skills and personality could make him effective. However, the allegations and questions surrounding his past conduct create complications. If those issues weren`t present, he might be a great fit.”
Beyond politics, McGregor’s involvement as a BKFC co-owner and promoter is notable. Brown praises McGregor’s enthusiasm for bare-knuckle boxing, seeing it as another way for him to remain in the headlines without fighting.
“He’s excellent in the BKFC role,” Brown said. “He’s perfectly suited for it. Fans love him, he’s a great spokesperson, and he has the energy for it. It’s great for BKFC, and bare-knuckle boxing is actually quite cool.”
Whether focusing on BKFC or a presidential campaign, Brown recognizes McGregor’s numerous commitments outside of fighting. Brown hopes McGregor finds happiness in his future endeavors, as he believes McGregor has achieved everything possible in his fighting career and may be realizing it`s time to move on.
“I hope he achieves great things and represents himself well,” Brown concluded. “He should take care of himself and represent himself positively, which could improve his life. You only live once.”
“He’s not coming back. Can I now be considered the accurate predictor on this? It wasn`t a difficult prediction. He told us himself. I’m surprised more people didn’t listen. He said it, and I believed him.”
