FILE - In this Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, file photo, Conor McGregor stands on a scale during the weigh-in event for his fight against Eddie Alvarez in UFC 205 mixed martial arts at Madison Square Garden in New York. UFC President Dana White says he’s unsure how long Connor McGregor can keep his lightweight title without defending it. White told The Associated Press, “that’s what we have to figure out,” in a telephone interview, Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, days before UFC 218 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

McGregor Calls it A Career On Twitter

It isn’t the first time he’s announced it on Twitter, but this time he means it.

Conor McGregor, at just 30 years old, tweeted early this morning that he would be retiring from UFC. The tweet was posted at 1:18 Am EST hours after his appearance on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

This announcement came as a surprise since while McGregor was on the Tonight Show he said was in talks with UFC to return in July. This appears to no longer be the case.

Retirement: Round 2

McGregor has retired on Twitter before. Back in April 2016, he “retired” after a dispute with UFC over being pulled from UFC 200.

UFC had been unhappy with McGregor not taking part in promotional events leading up to the fight so he dropped. McGregor then went out and three shorts sentences in a tweet saying he “decided to retire young”.

McGregor would work it out with UFC and defeated Nate Diaz in UFC 202. McGregor last fought in UFC 229 and received a six-month suspension for his role in an altercation following the fight.

He is eligible to fight again April 6 if he so happens to unretire again. No statements have connected his current suspension to his retirement.

(Scott Heavey/PA via AP)

His second retirement announcement rose some eyebrows over its validity. Many will speculate if McGregor is trying to gain like last time. President of UFC Dana White doesn’t think so at least publicly.

White hasn’t gone to Twitter himself to comment, but ESPN’s Brett Okamoto tweeted statement from White via text.

White is treating McGregor’s retirement as fact and seems to be keeping his composure. Though on the inside he may be more concerned. McGregor’s retirement from UFC would be a blow to the organization.

The Irish fighter draws in millions of views to his fights and in turn millions of dollars in pay per view revenue. If he does truly retire, UFC will have to roll with punches (pun intended) and find another face for the organization.

A Career In A Glance

McGregor made his debut in the Octagon back on April 6, 2013, and has since compiled a 21-4-0 record. He has 18 wins by knockout and 4 first round finishes.

The Irish sensation was the first fighter in history to hold the Lightweight and Featherweight titles at the same time. It is undeniable to say he has already made his mark on the MMA world but if he actually retires for real this time will be up for debate until he actually hangs it up.

About Harrison Smajovits

Harrison is a sports coordinator at ESPN 98.1 FM/850 AM WRUF. He served as a beat writer for Florida Gators football for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He also contributes to WRUF's Gainesville Sports Center segments and makes appearances on the Clash on Harp on Sports. Harrison has been a content writer for WRUF since January 2019 as well.

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