Social media blew up late last night with Conor McGregor taking to Twitter to announce his decision to retire from MMA. McGregor has been having huge contractual disputes with UFC about a return to their octagon and Conor looks to be sticking it to his latest employer in some form or fashion after the question of PPV pay-offs are up in the air.
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
This announcement comes less than a day after his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in which McGregor stated over a shot of whiskey that he was in talks for a fight in July. (transcription credit should go to @DominicDeAngelo of Wrestlezone)
We’re in talks for July. We’re in talks for July. So we’ll see what happens. A lot of politics are going on. The fight game is a mad game, but again, like I said, and to my fans, I am in shape and I am ready. So let’s see what happens.
McGregor continued with Fallon of who his next opponent could be and the fact that he and his family are set for life no matter what the future holds.
There are many opponents. In reality I can pick who I please. You know I’ve done a lot. I fought a lot. I’ve never pulled out of contests. I’ve gone through some crazy injuries and crazy external situations that many a man would sprint for the hills if it happened to him, but I stood firm and I’ve done my piece for the company so I’m in a position now. This whiskey is my baby, I’ve got a lot of great entities. I don’t necessarily need to fight. I am set for life. My family is set for life. We are good, but I am eager to fight so we’ll see what happens. I’m just staying ready as I’d like to say.
Conor’s latest announcement sure has gotten a lot of feedback from fans, but also got a response from a few of WWE top stars, including Ronda Rousey. “The Baddest Woman On The Planet” offered the former UFC Lightweight champion a second toast down the road and fellow Irishman Finn Balor thinks he may be seeing McGregor in early April:
Second round is on me? https://t.co/1liGxXhVTG
— Ronda Rousey (@RondaRousey) March 26, 2019
See you at ‘mania brother
— Finn Bálor (@FinnBalor) March 26, 2019