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Conor McGregor unexpectedly announced his retirement from MMA earlier tonight in a social media message to his fans.
The former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion waited for the conclusion of UFC 250 (full results HERE) to make a call to the masses and reveal he is no longer an active fighter. The UFC’s biggest superstar delivered a heartfelt message via Twitter.
Here is what McGregor had to say:
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“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting.. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been! Here is a picture of myself and my mother in Las Vegas post one of my World title wins! Pick the home of your dreams Mags I love you! Whatever you desire it’s yours,” wrote McGregor.
Of course, this announcement comes at a time when UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is locked in a financial stalemate with the promotion and welterweight star Jorge Masvidal just asked for his UFC release amidst failed contract negotiations. Maybe McGregor’s retirement has something to do with money, but we aren’t sure at this time.
McGregor, 31, has already announced his retirement from the sport twice before, once in March of last year and the other following UFC 200’s fallout. “Notorious” did come back both times to create some of the biggest fights in the promotion’s history, including his record-setting clash with lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov back at UFC 229.
That said, this may be the real deal. McGregor has really dedicated his time to helping his country of Ireland through the COVID-19 pandemic and had no date in mind for a potential Octagon return. Even UFC president Dana White couldn’t provide an update on McGregor’s UFC future when asked last month.
Should McGregor’s most recent walk away from the sport actually last, “Notorious” will easily go down as one of the most important fighters in the history of the sport. Say what you will about his antics outside of the cage the former two-division UFC champion was one of the most difficult puzzles to solve inside of it.
Stick with Mania for further updates on McGregor’s retirement.