In a bold declaration that has captured international attention, former UFC champion Conor McGregor has promised to become the “first President to put Bitcoin on Europe’s balance sheet” if elected to Ireland’s highest office this November.
A Fighter’s Presidential Vision
The Irish mixed martial arts superstar, known for his brash confidence inside and outside the octagon, took to social media on May 22 to outline his ambitious cryptocurrency agenda. “First man to win two belts in the cage. First fighter to walk in as president. First president to put Bitcoin on Europe’s balance sheet. Ireland leads. Europe watches,” McGregor declared in a tweet that quickly went viral.
First man to win two belts in the cage.
First fighter to walk in as president.
First president to put Bitcoin on Europe’s balance sheet.
Ireland leads. Europe watches. pic.twitter.com/JTVHyAG04k
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 22, 2025
This isn’t McGregor’s first foray into cryptocurrency advocacy. The 36-year-old fighter has been building momentum around Bitcoin adoption in Ireland for months, positioning himself as a champion of financial sovereignty for Irish citizens.
Building the Case for Bitcoin
McGregor’s cryptocurrency stance gained significant traction earlier this month when he advocated for establishing an Irish Bitcoin Reserve. On May 9, he posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people. An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money.”
The fighter’s approach goes beyond simple political rhetoric. He has actively engaged with prominent figures in the cryptocurrency space, announcing plans to co-host a Twitter Space to discuss his Bitcoin reserve proposal in detail. The announcement drew responses from influential crypto advocates, including Anthony Pompliano and David Bailey, who previously advised U.S. President Donald Trump on cryptocurrency policy.
“We need the greatest minds for this BTC Reserve. Message me and let’s chat on my space,” McGregor responded to Pompliano, demonstrating his commitment to building a coalition of experts around his proposal.
International Cryptocurrency Diplomacy
McGregor’s Bitcoin ambitions extend to international relations. Reports indicate he was preparing to attend the Bitcoin Nation State Summit in El Salvador, where he planned to meet with President Nayib Bukele. The two leaders were expected to discuss how Ireland might follow El Salvador’s pioneering example of adopting Bitcoin at a national level.
El Salvador made history in 2021 by becoming the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism from the international financial community. McGregor appears ready to position Ireland as the next nation to embrace cryptocurrency at the governmental level.
The Road to Presidential Candidacy
McGregor first announced his presidential ambitions in March 2025, marking a dramatic shift from sports entertainment to serious political aspirations. His campaign has focused on key national issues including immigration and crime, with cryptocurrency policy now emerging as a signature platform.
Ireland’s next presidential election is scheduled for November 11, 2025, when current President Michael D. Higgins will complete his term. However, McGregor has not yet received an official nomination, a requirement for appearing on the ballot.
A Broader Movement
The fighter’s Bitcoin advocacy reflects a growing global trend of political figures embracing cryptocurrency. With Donald Trump having won the 2024 U.S. presidential election partly on a pro-crypto platform, and various world leaders exploring digital currency adoption, McGregor’s stance positions him at the forefront of a potential European cryptocurrency revolution.
Also Read: Trump Proposes 50% Tariff on European Union Starting June 1, Escalating Trade War
McGregor’s core argument centers on financial empowerment: he believes creating an Irish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve would give citizens greater control over their money and reduce dependence on traditional financial systems that may not serve individual interests.
Implications for Europe
If successful, McGregor’s presidency could have far-reaching implications beyond Ireland’s borders. As a member of the European Union, Ireland’s adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset could influence broader EU cryptocurrency policy and potentially encourage other European nations to follow suit.
The pledge to put “Bitcoin on Europe’s balance sheet” suggests McGregor envisions his potential presidency as a catalyst for continent-wide cryptocurrency adoption, though the specific mechanisms for achieving such broad influence remain unclear.
What’s Next
As McGregor works toward securing an official nomination for the Irish presidency, his Bitcoin pledge will likely face scrutiny from traditional political establishments, financial regulators, and voters who may be skeptical of cryptocurrency’s volatility and regulatory challenges.
The success of his campaign will depend not only on his celebrity status and charismatic appeal but also on his ability to articulate a comprehensive vision for how Bitcoin adoption would benefit ordinary Irish citizens and strengthen the nation’s economic position.
With the November election approaching, McGregor’s unprecedented combination of sports celebrity, political ambition, and cryptocurrency advocacy has created one of the most unconventional presidential campaigns in Irish history. Whether voters will embrace his vision of a Bitcoin-powered Ireland remains to be seen, but his bold promises have certainly captured global attention.
The former UFC champion’s journey from cage fighter to potential president represents a unique moment in both Irish politics and the global cryptocurrency movement, with implications that could extend far beyond Ireland’s borders.
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