Conor McGregor announces Donald Trump Jr. partnership as he signals UFC return and Irish presidential bid

Conor McGregor announced a business partnership with Donald Trump Jr. on social media as the former two-division UFC champion steps up public discussion of a ring return and an unconventional bid for the Irish presidency.

McGregor said on X that Trump Jr. is joining MMA.INC as a strategic adviser, calling the move part of an effort to “convert MMA fandom into participation” and to expand commercial opportunities for coaches, gyms and small businesses tied to mixed martial arts. The announcement comes as McGregor has publicly discussed preparations to return to the UFC and has promoted a planned campaign for the presidency of Ireland.

In his X post, McGregor wrote that the partnership will help “amplify our message and accelerate our commercialisation like never before,” and described the tie-up as a joining of “The Trumps and the McGregors, a truly iconic team!” MMA.INC’s website describes the company as a comprehensive platform that aims to provide tools and resources to grow participation and revenue within the combat sports industry.

Trump Jr. posted comments on MMA.INC’s site saying the rapid growth of the UFC has built one of the largest global fanbases in sport and has inspired millions to train in martial arts. He said he is “deeply passionate about supporting small business owners to thrive” and that he looks forward to helping MMA.INC connect those businesses with potential students.

The business announcement arrives amid McGregor’s public efforts to rekindle his fighting career and to broaden his profile beyond sport. He has repeatedly signaled interest in a UFC comeback, including references to a White House event next year that some media and fans have linked to possible promotional activity and high-profile exhibition or sanctioned fights.

McGregor has also increased public campaigning for an Irish presidential bid. He posted messages urging supporters to contact local councillors to nominate him, a step required under Ireland’s election law. A presidential candidate in Ireland must be nominated by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or by four local authorities and must be at least 35 years old. McGregor is 37, but his campaign posts suggest he has not yet secured the legally required number of nominations.

The Irishman has drawn other high-profile endorsements while promoting his political ambitions. He shared a photograph of a FaceTime call with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk and highlighted Musk’s previous public support for his bid, including an X post that said, “No one will fight harder for the people of Ireland than Conor McGregor!” Musk spent 130 days in a U.S. government role earlier this year.

McGregor’s public activities continue against a backdrop of unresolved legal matters. Ireland’s Court of Appeal on July 31 dismissed his challenge to a civil ruling that had found him liable for the sexual assault of a woman in 2018 and ordered him to pay damages. A civil jury in November 2024 found McGregor liable and awarded the plaintiff, Nikita Hand, €248,000. Following the failed appeal, Hand has launched further legal action.

Representatives for McGregor and Trump Jr. did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. MMA.INC characterized the new adviser role as part of a broader commercial strategy to expand participation in martial arts and generate revenue for gyms and instructors as the sport continues its global growth.