Conor McGregor has never been hesitant about taking part in conversations that go beyond fighting. Whether discussing Irish politics, business ventures, or global issues, the former UFC champion knows how to make his voice heard. This week, he turned his attention to US immigration policy, endorsing a controversial move by Donald Trump’s administration that has already caused heated debate in the labor and technology sectors.

At the heart of the shift is the H-1B visa program, which has long been criticized for allowing foreign workers to fill positions that many believe should be held by Americans. On September 19, Trump signed off on a sweeping reform that increased the annual application fee from $1,000 to $100,000, thus effectively transforming the cost of hiring skilled foreign employees.

Conor McGregor lauds push for immigration reform in America

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who is pushing the revamp, has described the existing scheme as a “scam” that rewarded mediocrity while uprooting American labor. For him, the change is about raising the bar, making American labor the first choice, and requiring businesses to only pay for foreign expertise when there is no local equivalent.

And now, Conor McGregor has made it clear where he stands. Taking to X, he praised Lutnick, writing, “Bravo, Howard! Very impressive.” His words were brief, but they conveyed a strong affinity with the administration’s aims. Lutnick has been blunt about the change’s intentions, claiming that “hiring American workers must take priority” and citing the new wage-driven method as a precaution against undercutting US employees.

The fee hike, which could reach $600,000 over six years, ensures that only “exceptionally skilled workers” would justify such a cost, a fact Howard Lutnick claims even huge corporations now acknowledge. For businesses that have long relied on H-1B visas, the reform is a seismic shift. Tech companies, in particular, will be forced to reconsider their strategy as the cost of hiring foreign experts or developers rises under the new restrictions.

Along with the fee increase, Trump’s decision directs revisions to existing wage rules, making it more difficult for firms to replace American workers with cheaper offshore staff. Supporters hail the decision as a victory for US labor, while critics warn that it will discourage innovation and restrict the talent stream. In either case, the program represents a significant shift in immigration strategy under Trump’s leadership.

Conor McGregor sees this endorsement as part of a bigger pattern. Earlier in 2025, he condemned illegal immigration in Ireland, labeling it a “racket” that harmed the country’s identity and warned that people risk becoming minorities in their own communities. His nationalist and protectionist tone reflects the ideological foundation of Trump’s changes, which prioritize domestic labor, preserve culture, and tighten borders. But despite strong views towards the following, the Irishman recently announced that he is stepping away from the presidential race. But why?

McGregor drops out from the Presidential race despite his never-ending commitment

For a man who thrives on confrontation, Conor McGregor’s decision to pull out of the Irish presidential race comes as a surprise. Weeks ago, he positioned himself as the antidote to Ireland’s political “racket,” promising to put all legislation back in the hands of the people. However, the very system he railed against eventually became the reason he stepped down.

According to the Irishman, it was the nomination hurdles and constitutional barriers that convinced him that the competition was stacked against outsiders. In a post on X, ‘The Notorious’ stated that his intention to run was “sincere and genuine,” but his withdrawal showed frustration. He criticized Ireland’s constitution for favoring “establishment-approved candidates,” claiming it is a hindrance to true democracy.

For Conor McGregor, this was not a retreat from politics but a refusal to validate a process he viewed as rigged. Nonetheless, his departure has left supporters disappointed. Despite previous issues, McGregor had sparked genuine interest, attracting attention from strong personalities such as Trump and Elon Musk. But now, his absence eliminates a disruptive element in the race, cementing his image as an outsider who questions systems rather than elections.