Soon after the incredible UFC 250 which enthralled fans, former 2 division champion Conor McGregor dropped an unexpected bombshell. The Irishman took to Twitter and posted a message that sent fans, analysts, and the sporting world in general into a frenzy. ‘Notorious’ took to Twitter soon after the Amanda Nunes vs Felicia Spencer fight. Here he revealed to the world that he is walking away from professional fighting.
Conor McGregor announces his retirement
The Featherweight contender tweeted, “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”
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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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Dh4ijsZacZ— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 7, 2020
Whilst this certainly blows open things in the Lightweight division, fans cannot be blamed for being skeptical about the announcement. One fan even tweeted out a collection of ‘Notorious’ previous retirements.
The first of these came on 19 April 2016, where ‘Notorious’ claimed to have decided to retire young.
The tweet came a few short weeks after he tapped to Nate Diaz at UFC 196. However, just 4 months later, he came back and avenged his defeat, before going on to beat Eddie Alvarez to claim the UFC Lightweight Championship whilst still holding the Featherweight Championship. At the time, he became the only fighter in UFC history to hold 2 belts simultaneously.
Later, he put out a tweet about walking away on March 26 last year. He said he was retiring “from the sport formally known as “mixed martial arts” today.”
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Hmmm , should we believe this time? pic.twitter.com/Pg3gJybmq3
— ، (@f59tin) June 7, 2020
Later, ‘Notorious’ retracted his retirement and returned at UFC 246 and beat Donald Cerrone in the first round.
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UFC President Dana White was scornful of the retirement the last time around. It remains to be seen how he reacts to it this time. ‘Notorious’ is the highest-paid fighter in UFC history, and can certainly walk away from the sport without having to bother about himself financially.
What do you make of Conor McGregor’s latest Tweet? Is he seeking attention or is he serious about retiring?