Conor McGregor shocked fans in Ireland when he announced he was dropping out of his presidential bid. While McGregor has promised not to give up on his political ambitions entirely, his former friend and teammate Artem Lobov believes this move was ultimately for the best.
Lobov on McGregor’s Political Ambitions
According to Lobov, McGregor’s interest in politics isn’t new. The former UFC champion considered such a path years ago, even networking with global leaders while still active in MMA. Lobov recalled how efforts were made to arrange meetings with figures like Vladimir Putin, noting that McGregor was already laying groundwork for potential political ventures long before 2025.
However, Lobov says the McGregor of today is different from the man he once trained alongside. “This time around, I support the decision to withdraw because I don’t think Conor is in the right mindset right now,” Lobov explained during a recent PFL media call. He pointed to McGregor skipping press duties and struggling with personal issues as signs that the timing was not right for such a serious role.
Why Lobov Sees It as a Positive Step
Lobov emphasized that he remembers a version of McGregor who pushed through adversity — like competing with torn knee ligaments in pursuit of an interim belt. That version, Lobov argued, could have made a strong political leader. But given McGregor’s current controversies, including lawsuits in Ireland and the United States, Lobov supports the decision to regroup before revisiting politics.
Lobov’s Own Return to Fighting
While commenting on McGregor, Lobov also discussed his personal comeback. After years away, he will face Zubaira Tukhugov at PFL Champions Series 2: Nurmagomedov vs. Hughes 2 in Dubai on October 3. The matchup revives unfinished business after their near-bout years ago in the UFC, where Lobov’s feud with Khabib’s team gained headlines. This time, Lobov hopes to settle things inside the cage.
McGregor’s Next Steps
McGregor, meanwhile, has expressed renewed focus on fighting. He’s teased competing on the first-ever UFC White House event planned for 2026, while also maintaining his business involvement with BKFC. Whether politics remains part of his long-term future remains to be seen.
FAQs — McGregor’s Presidential Exit
Why did Conor McGregor drop out of the Ireland presidential race?
According to Artem Lobov, McGregor isn’t currently in the right mindset for such a role and needs to focus on personal and professional matters first.
Has McGregor been interested in politics before?
Yes. Lobov revealed that McGregor had political aspirations going back years, even arranging meetings with world leaders during his UFC championship days.
When is Artem Lobov returning to competition?
Lobov returns on October 3, 2025, at PFL Champions Series 2, where he will fight Zubaira Tukhugov.
