According to a former UFC star, Conor McGregor was right to withdraw from the Irish presidential race.
The MMA icon generated plenty of buzz around his candidacy, but it appears his political ambitions will be put on hold for now.
Now, Artem Lobov, an old friend, has voiced his support for the decision to abandon the bid to move into Áras an Uachtaráin.
Artem Lobov thinks Conor McGregor is not in the right headspace for presidency
Lobov does not think McGregor is ready to take on the presidency just yet.
Even so, the former UFC fighter believes there is a version of ‘The Notorious’ that could handle the job well.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, Lobov said: “Running for president is something that we have spoken [about] all the way back [in the past].
“One of the reasons for even for me to arrange a meeting with [Russian president] Vladimir Putin for Conor, that all had those kind of future aspirations. Running for president, you want to establish some contacts in the political world, and obviously, Vladimir Putin is one of the main figures in politics worldwide. We always spoke about that.
“This time around, I support the decision to withdraw because I don’t think Conor is in the right space right now. Not in the right mindset to run for president.
“He has to get his ducks in a row first. We saw he pulled out of a press conference. That’s not Conor. I know Conor that showed up to fight for the interim belt with no legs, both of his ligaments were torn in both of the knees; he was completely unable to walk and still showed up.
“That’s the Conor I know. That’s the Conor that people believe would make a good president. I agree. That Conor for sure would make a great president and would address all the issues that need to be addressed right now in Ireland.
“I don’t think he’s in the right mind frame right now to run for president. There are a lot of things he needs to fix before he can take on such an important role. I see it as a good thing him dropping out.”
McGregor’s next opponent could be a non-UFC fighter, Chael Sonnen suggested
McGregor has a number of possible opponents lined up for his potential return at the White House card.
But one of those names is not even part of the UFC roster, with Chael Sonnen suggesting that he could fight Tony Ferguson.
Former UFC interim champion, Ferguson last bout for the promotion was in August 2024, when he lost to Michael Chiesa.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
