In an unexpected twist, former UFC champion Conor McGregor has made a bold proposal to Ireland: create a national reserve of Bitcoin.
On May 9, 2025, McGregor shared this idea on X, suggesting that a Bitcoin reserve could “give power back to the people’s money.”
This comes as McGregor campaigns for the presidency as an independent candidate, aiming to steer Ireland’s policy toward cryptocurrency.
McGregor’s Vision for a Bitcoin Reserve
McGregor’s suggestion is for Ireland to establish a Bitcoin reserve as part of a national strategic fund.
While he didn’t offer specifics on funding or costs, he emphasized that such a reserve would empower ordinary citizens by decentralizing financial control.
“Crypto in its origin was founded to give power back to the people,” McGregor stated, echoing the foundational principles of Bitcoin.
He firmly believes that a reserve would put more control into the hands of the public and challenge traditional financial systems.
“Ireland should have a reserve of Bitcoin,” McGregor posted, followed by a call to action for crypto leaders to collaborate.
He’s also scheduled to host an X Spaces session where he plans to expand on his proposal and gather feedback.
Reaching Out to Crypto Leaders for Support
McGregor has been actively seeking feedback and collaboration from some of the leading voices in the cryptocurrency world.
He tagged Anthony Pompliano, the host of The Pomp Podcast, in his posts and reached out to David Bailey, a consultant with experience advising former U.S. President Donald Trump on crypto matters.
Through direct messages, McGregor encouraged both experts to join him for a discussion on his proposed initiative.
His vision includes a collaborative effort to refine the idea and get more input from those familiar with crypto policy.
Political and Legal Hurdles
While McGregor’s idea has caught attention, turning it into reality presents significant political and legal challenges.
Ireland is set to hold its next presidential election by November 11, 2025, after President Michael D. Higgins’ term ends.
To bring his Bitcoin reserve idea to life, McGregor would need support from lawmakers and Ireland’s central bank.
Moreover, as a member of the European Union, Ireland’s monetary policy is closely tied to the euro, making it more difficult to introduce a cryptocurrency-based reserve without extensive legal and regulatory adjustments.
Additionally, McGregor faces personal and legal challenges that could impact his presidential bid.
He is currently contesting a civil court ruling regarding a sexual assault conviction and has previously faced investigations related to hate speech.
These controversies could damage his public image and make it harder for voters to trust him with financial policy.
McGregor’s Crypto Track Record
McGregor is not new to the world of cryptocurrency.
However, his past ventures have had mixed results.
In early April 2025, McGregor’s Real World Gaming team launched a presale for their token, REAL.
The goal was to raise $1 million, but the presale only generated around $392,300, leading the team to refund the buyers.
This outcome highlighted the challenges celebrities face in the crypto world, where a high-profile name doesn’t always guarantee success.
What’s Next for McGregor’s Presidential Bid?
As McGregor pushes forward with his Bitcoin reserve proposal, it remains to be seen whether he can gain traction with voters and experts alike.
He has promised to reveal more details about his X Spaces session soon, though no specific date has been set.
Given that countries like the U.S., El Salvador, and Bhutan have already implemented Bitcoin reserves, McGregor’s grassroots approach would be a unique twist for Ireland’s financial landscape.
Whether voters are ready for a fighter-turned-politician to handle complex financial policies will be decided in the upcoming election.
For now, McGregor’s plan is still in its early stages, waiting to see if it can withstand political scrutiny and gain the necessary support to move forward.