Ex-UFC Champ Conor McGregor Advocates for Irish Bitcoin Reserve

Former UFC champion and Irish sports icon Conor McGregor has publicly called for Ireland to establish a national Bitcoin reserve, arguing that such a move would strengthen the country’s economic sovereignty and financial independence.

McGregor, who has increasingly ventured into business and political commentary in recent years, shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) this week, suggesting that Ireland should follow the lead of other nations that have begun accumulating Bitcoin as part of their national reserves. As a Bitcoin-first organization, PhilanthroBit views this type of high-profile advocacy as a crucial step toward broader sovereign adoption of Bitcoin.

From Fighter to Financial Advocate

McGregor, whose net worth is estimated to exceed $200 million from his fighting career and business ventures including his Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey brand, has been increasingly vocal about economic issues facing Ireland and the broader global financial system.

In a follow-up post, McGregor elaborated on his position, citing concerns about inflation, currency devaluation, and the need for Ireland to maintain economic independence in an increasingly uncertain global landscape.

While McGregor has no official role in Irish economic policy, his massive platform—with over 10 million followers on X alone—gives him significant influence in public discourse. His comments have already sparked debate among Irish politicians and economic commentators about the merits of his proposal. McGregor’s emphasis on “sound money that can’t be manipulated” resonates deeply with our mission at PhilanthroBit, where we’ve seen firsthand how Bitcoin’s immutable properties can protect value against currency debasement.

Growing Trend of National Bitcoin Adoption

McGregor’s call comes amid a growing trend of nation-states exploring Bitcoin as a component of their reserves. El Salvador made headlines in 2021 when it became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender and began accumulating the digital asset in its national treasury.

Since then, several other nations have either officially added Bitcoin to their reserves or are actively considering legislation to do so. Proponents argue that Bitcoin offers a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and potential sanctions, while providing nations with greater financial sovereignty.

Critics, however, point to Bitcoin’s price volatility and regulatory uncertainties as reasons for caution, particularly for smaller economies that may be more vulnerable to market fluctuations. In our work at PhilanthroBit, we’ve found that these concerns often diminish when viewed through a longer time horizon. Nations that adopt Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset are positioning themselves for the next era of global finance, where short-term volatility becomes less relevant against the backdrop of Bitcoin’s long-term appreciation and network growth.

Irish Economic Context

Ireland’s economy, while robust in many respects, faces unique challenges that make McGregor’s proposal particularly relevant. As a member of the European Union using the euro currency, Ireland has limited monetary policy independence. The country also has vivid memories of the 2008 financial crisis, which hit Ireland particularly hard and required an international bailout.

Some Irish economists have noted that diversifying reserves to include Bitcoin could potentially provide a hedge against euro inflation or instability. Others have expressed skepticism, pointing to regulatory hurdles and the conservative nature of central banking policies within the EU framework. From PhilanthroBit‘s perspective, Ireland’s position is particularly interesting—as a small nation with a strong tech sector and a history of economic resilience, it could serve as an ideal European test case for Bitcoin adoption, potentially creating a model for other EU member states to follow.

Political Reaction

Irish political figures have offered mixed responses to McGregor’s suggestion. Some opposition politicians have expressed openness to exploring the concept, while government officials have been more cautious, emphasizing the need for thorough research and regulatory clarity before considering such a move.

A spokesperson for Ireland’s Department of Finance issued a brief statement acknowledging awareness of McGregor’s comments but noting that “any significant changes to national reserve policy would require extensive analysis, stakeholder consultation, and consideration of EU monetary policy frameworks.”

What’s Next?

While it remains to be seen whether McGregor’s advocacy will translate into policy action, his intervention has undoubtedly elevated the conversation about Bitcoin to national prominence in Ireland. The fighter-turned-entrepreneur has indicated he plans to continue pushing the issue and may organize formal discussions with business leaders and policymakers.

For a country with a strong technology sector and a history of embracing innovation to drive economic growth, the concept of incorporating Bitcoin into national reserves may find fertile ground for serious consideration, regardless of how it was initially introduced into the public discourse.

As more nations continue to explore Bitcoin adoption at various levels, McGregor’s call for Ireland to join this movement represents another significant milestone in the mainstreaming of Bitcoin as a serious component of national economic strategy.

At PhilanthroBit, we believe that sovereign Bitcoin adoption is one of the most important trends of this decade. While celebrities like McGregor bringing attention to Bitcoin is valuable, the real work happens when policymakers, economists, and citizens engage in serious dialogue about monetary sovereignty in the digital age. Ireland has an opportunity to position itself at the forefront of this financial evolution—a move that could benefit not just its economy, but also establish a framework for how nations can thoughtfully integrate Bitcoin into their financial infrastructure while maintaining regulatory compliance and economic stability.

About the Author

Pierre Gaudet is the Founder and CEO of PhilanthroBit. With over two decades of entrepreneurial and nonprofit experience, and extensive expertise in Bitcoin mining (2016-2023), Pierre brings deep industry knowledge in digital assets, business strategy, and cross-border operations. He is dedicated to helping organizations leverage Bitcoin for social impact.

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