Late on Monday night, former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion Conor McGregor announced that he is retiring from MMA. It is his intention, he says, to focus his energy on his other ventures.
McGregor made this surprising announcement on social media.
“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 on Twitter.
It did not take long for the MMA community to react to this surprising news. Here are some of the best reactions:
Needless to say, the reactions to this news are mixed. Some are content to wish Conor McGregor well in his next chapter, while others hope he’ll stick around, and others still just don’t believe him.
UFC President Dana White seems to believe the Irishman’s announcement — or at least he’s pretending to.
“He has the money to retire and his whiskey is killing it. It totally makes sense. If I was him, I would retire too.” White told ESPN. “He’s retiring from fighting. Not from working. The whiskey will keep him busy and I’m sure he has other things he’s working on. He has been so fun to watch!!! He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him and I look forward to seeing him be as successful outside of the octagon as he was in it.”
Do you think Conor McGregor is really retiring?
This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/26/2019.