A smidge more poignant than ‘thanks for the cheese’.
In recent months, Conor McGregor has been speaking and tweeting like a man with unfinished business in the fight game. But instead, the 30-year-old has announced his shock retirement, apparently deciding to quit MMA to pursue other business ventures.
One of the biggest names in the game could be about to head off into the sunset with a host of good memories, stacks of cash and his physical health in prime shape.
McGregor, a former two-weight UFC champion, lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov back in October 2018 but appeared keen on returning to The Octagon to get back on the winning track. He teased at fights against Nate Diaz, Nurmagomedov, Donald Cerrone and claimed he wanted to fight in Brazil before he retired.
All of those fights would have gained huge interest, and tested the fighting wits of ‘The Notorious’ but none may now happen.
Early on Tuesday morning (East Coast USA and Irish time), the Dubliner took to social media to announce his formal retirement. He wrote:
‘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!’
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
McGregor spoke earlier this year about how his MMA pay deals ranked third in his income list.
His whiskey business and several sponsorship deals stand above his takings from the fight game and it may well be that he has decided to get out, if not at the very top, not far off.
It is worth noting that McGregor has made a similar announcement in the past with regards to stepping away from the sport that has made him one of the best-known competitors in the world.
Back in April 2016, while in Iceland and hoping to secure a rematch with Diaz after their first fight, McGregor fired off this tweet:
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
He was back in The Octagon four months later and avenging his UFC 196 loss to the Stockton native.
Whether or not this really is the end for McGregor, remains to be see. If it is, he will be remembered in time as a true trailblazer and a man that, more often than not, backed up his brash words with show-stopping deeds.
