Conor McGregor announces shock retirement from MMA
One of the biggest names in world sport, Conor McGregor, appears to have retired from Mixed Martial Arts via a post on his Twitter account.
Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today.
I wish all my old colleagues well going forward in competition.
I now join my former partners on this venture, already in retirement.
Proper Pina Coladas on me fellas!— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 26, 2019
We have, of course, seen something similar to this before from the Irishman.
In 2016, McGregor tweeted he had decided to “retire young”.
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
Two days later, he posted a lengthy statement on Facebook that ended with him claiming “I AM NOT RETIRED”.
UFC boss Dana White told ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto it “totally makes sense” for McGregor to retire because of the success of his whiskey business.
Statement from Dana White (@danawhite) on Conor McGregor’s retirement announcement moments ago, via text. pic.twitter.com/MNPnYypKPn
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 26, 2019
McGregor became the first man in UFC history to hold belts in two weight divisions, featherweight and lightweight, at the same time.
McGregor’s retirement this time occurs at an even more volatile time for the Irishman, as he is still suspended for his role in the chaos following his loss to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
McGregor appeared on an episode of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon just before he announced his retirement, saying at the time that he was in talks with the UFC for a July return, per MMA Weekly. That would set up for a fight at UFC 239 in Las Vegas.
McGregor also alluded to “a lot of politics going on,” but reiterated that he is “in shape” and “ready.” He also discussed his career and lot in life, which might have been more of a hint than viewers realized at the time:
“There are many opponents. In reality, I can pick who I please,” McGregor said. “I’ve done a lot, I’ve fought a lot, I never pull out of contests, I’ve gone through some crazy injuries and crazy external situations that many a man would sprint for the hills if it happened to them. I stood firm and done my piece for the company so I am in a position now like this whiskey is my baby, I’ve got a lot of great entities.
“I don’t necessarily need to fight. I am set for life, my family is set for life, we are good. But I am eager to fight so we’ll see what happens. I’m just staying ready as I like to say.”
With Yahoo Sports USA – Jack Baer