Conor McGregor Announces Retirement From MMA
“I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as ‘Mixed Martial Art’ today.”
Once again, Conor McGregor says he’s done. In a tweet posted late Monday, the UFC’s reigning superstar declared that he’s moving on and wishes all his “old colleagues well going forward in competition.”
McGregor has retired before. Does he really mean it this time?
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
When McGregor tweeted that was done in 2016, he was much more terse.
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
After that announcement, of course, the Notorious One went on to fight Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez, becoming the first two weight class champ in the UFC. Then in 2017 McGregor went on hiatus from mixed martial arts, ultimately fighting—and losing to—a temporarily un-retired Floyd Mayweather in a wildly lucrative boxing match.
This time McGregor might be at least closer to serious. In an appearance on The Tonight Show just before his tweeted announcement, the outspoken Irishman told host Jimmy Fallon “There are many opponents. In reality I can pick who I please.” He also said that due to the popularity of his Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey, he is “set for life” and his “family is set for life.”
Social media reactions indicated some are skeptical that McGregor is for real.
I've had 10 minutes to process Conor McGregor's retirement tweet.
My thoughts: pic.twitter.com/YqmmdvmUt0— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) March 26, 2019
Last time he said this he fought twice in the next 6 months pic.twitter.com/yyrYZp34T0
— brought to you by modelo (@thisfightis) March 26, 2019
— Bruce Mane (@dvngyy) March 26, 2019
https://twitter.com/_azzip_/status/1110536160479232000
I'm calling BS on Conor McGregor retiring from MMA. Just trying to keep his name relevant while he's suspended. Man is turning into a drama king.
— Matt Blasing (@BlasingUFCFan) March 26, 2019
Truth is, Conor McGregor does love to stir people up, and he loves attention. He’s also a dad now and he’s been on a losing streak. And he has legal problems again, with an arrest in Florida for smashing a fan’s phone in an early-morning encounter outside a hotel.
It’s anyone’s guess as to what he’s really up to at this point.
Whatever he does as a fighter, it seems obvious he’s not going away any time soon. Whether it’s work in action movies or a Ronda Rousey-like move to the WWE, Conor McGregor is sticking around in some fashion, whether you like him or not.
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