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Hey guys quick announcement, Ive 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
This news comes just hours after McGregor told Jimmy Fallon in an episode of The Tonight Show he was in talks for a July fight-however, in the same interview he also said; I dont necessarily need to fight. I am set for life.
UFC President, Dana White, texted a statement to ESPN in which he expressed his support of McGregors decision.
He has the money to retire and his whiskey is KILLIN it. It totally makes sense. If I was him I would retire too, he said. Hes retiring from fighting. Not from working. The Whiskey will keep him busy and Im sure he has other things hes working on.
He has been so fun to watch!!! He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him and I look forward to seeing him be as successful outside of the octagon as he was in it.
However, not everybody is convinced that McGregors retirement is for real, with some fans speculating that its a negotiation ploy or publicity stunt.
Conor McGregor loves the limelight. He'd retire in the middle of the night, after not retiring during his appearance on Jimmy Fallon? It just sounds fishy - like it's some sort of publicity thing we don't yet know the details on... - Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) March 26, 2019
This isnt the first time McGregor has made such an announcement via social media. In April 2016, he tweeted: I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch yas later.
I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later. - Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
McGregor made headlines earlier this month when he was arrested in Miami, Florida for smashing a fans phone-the latest in a series of public incidents that have accompanied his career inside the octagon.