Conor McGregor would have Vladimir Putin’s backing if he decided to run for president - a possibility the former UFC two-weight champion recently addressed - according to his close friend and longtime coach, Phil Sutcliffe.
Former Olympian Sutcliffe accompanied McGregor on a recent visit to Washington, D.C., where the outspoken MMA star met U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, a meeting that sparked outrage in Ireland from politicians, as well as religious groups.
Speaking with Conor Gallagher of the Irish Times, Sutcliffe—who also serves as a Dublin City Councillor—said that Putin would fully support McGregor, who was recently described as President Trump's 'favorite Irish person,' should he pursue a presidential bid.
Sutcliffe said: “Not only Washington, he’ll have the backing of Putin. He’s another fan of Conor’s."
McGregor and Putin crossed paths at the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where they took a photo together. Following the encounter, the Irishman openly expressed admiration for the Russian leader, reports Dublin Live.
Captoniong his social media post, McGregror wrote: "I was invited to the World Cup final as a guest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Today was an honor for me Mr Putin. Thank you, and congratulations on an amazing World Cup."
The MMA star took his praise up a notch, saying: "This man is one of the greatest leaders of our time and I was honored to attend such a landmark event alongside him."
The article also reveals that McGregor's meeting with Trump originated from his attendance at the latter's inauguration in January. It was noted that his American hosts were cognizant of the recent court verdict that saw McGregor ordered to pay Nikita Hand nearly €250,000 in damages.
The Presidential Election is on the horizon later this year, but McGregor's immediate hurdle is securing a spot on the ballot.
To throw his hat into the presidential ring, the 36-year-old would need to secure nominations from at least 20 members of the Oireachtas (TDs or Senators) or from a minimum of four local authorities (county or city councils). McGregor has recently been embroiled in a verbal spat with some of Ireland's leading political figures.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin issued a statement following McGregor's media address in the White House Press Room.
"St. Patrick's Day worldwide is a day steeped in community, humanity, camaraderie and fellowship. McGregor's comments are misguided and do not embody the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, nor the sentiments of the Irish people," Mr. Martin declared.
When probed about the Taoiseach's remarks, McGregor didn't mince his words. He retorted: "I am an employer of over 200 people, almost 300 people, in Ireland. He employs no one. Every measurable indicator available to us demonstrates that the current Irish government has let down the people of Ireland.
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"In 10 years, Dublin City Centre has gone from one of the safest cities in Europe to one of the most dangerous, so shame on him for saying that, speaking down on an Irishman. I won't speak about him personally or throw a jab; I could throw many jabs at him, I could throw jabs handily at them; however, I speak on the metrics, and the metrics show they have failed the people of Ireland they do not represent the people of Ireland."
Other political figures who have commented on McGregor's unexpected visit to the Oval Office include Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.
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