Ex-UFC Champ Conor McGregor to Meet El Salvador’s President to Discuss Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland

Highlights:

• McGregor will meet Bukele to talk about establishing a BTC reserve for Ireland.
• McGregor’s Bitcoin interest grows as its price nears a new all-time high.
• His proposed Bitcoin reserve in Ireland faces hurdles but may inspire change.

Conor McGregor, five-time UFC champion, is set to meet El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele at the Bitcoin Nation State Summit to discuss the creation of an Irish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, according to American journalist Max Keiser. McGregor is running as an independent in Ireland’s next presidential election. He supports cryptocurrency and wants Ireland to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. He said it would “give power back to the people.” 

Yes‼️

The nation state Saylor play can be rolled out in Ireland. 🇮🇪

This would be TOPIC No. 1 at the Bitcoin Nation State Summit

Between President Bukele 🇸🇻 & Conor McGregor @nayibbukele @TheNotoriousMMA https://t.co/cbk42gtgNa

— Max Keiser (@maxkeiser) May 11, 2025

McGregor Champions Bitcoin Reserve for Ireland Amid Presidential Bid

UFC champion’s interest in BTC comes as its price nears a new ATH. Bitcoin is now trading at $104,289 after strong growth in recent months. McGregor appears inspired by El Salvador’s approach. Under President Bukele, El Salvador remains committed to Bitcoin, buying one BTC daily despite international pressure and an IMF embargo.

Keiser suggested that Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy could be applied in Ireland. The meeting between McGregor and Bukele may mark the beginning of Ireland’s crypto movement, but it will face several challenges in execution. McGregor believes Bitcoin could help move things in a better direction. He said creating a BTC reserve in Ireland could help support the people’s money. His statement quickly gained attention in the crypto world. 

Crypto in it's origin was founded to give power back to the people.

An Irish Bitcoin strategic reserve will give power to the people’s money.

I will be cohosting a Twitter space to talk about what I want to see changed.

Victory to Ireland! 🇮🇪

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 9, 2025

Investor Anthony Pompliano reshared it, saying he didn’t expect McGregor to support a Bitcoin reserve, but he welcomed the idea. David Bailey, a crypto advisor to US President Donald Trump, also reached out. McGregor replied, “David, message me, let’s discuss your ideas!”

David message me, let’s discuss your ideas! https://t.co/qNRXI0hP0f

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 10, 2025

Ireland’s presidential vote must take place before November 11, when the term ends. As an independent, McGregor may struggle to gain support for his crypto plans. Creating a Bitcoin reserve would need approval from lawmakers and the central bank.

McGregor Discusses BTC’s Potential and Crypto’s Impact on Government

On May 12, Conor McGregor asked users on X about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. In the post, he talked about the benefits of crypto and the strong potential he sees in Bitcoin. “Bitcoin or cryptocurrency? I can see lots of transparent and trustless applications within crypto. And I can see an immutable people’s money with Bitcoin,” said McGregor in his post. 

Bitcoin or cryptocurrency?

I can see lots of transparent and trustless applications within crypto.

And I can see an immutable people’s money with Bitcoin.

What cryptos can help bring accountability to a government? Why??

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 11, 2025

In the end, McGregor asked people on X which cryptocurrencies could help bring government accountability. His question got replies from top crypto figures like Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson and Orqestra co-founder Stephen Cole. Hoskinson replied to McGregor’s post, saying, “Let’s chat.” At the same time, Cole said Bitcoin was the best option. He called it the only one that’s socially decentralized enough to handle pressure, unlike other tokens.

McGregor has worked on crypto projects before, but the results have been mixed. In April 2025, his REAL token presale aimed to raise $1 million but only brought in $392,300, and all buyers were refunded.