Deja Vu: Conor McGregor Retires On Twitter Following UFC 250

In the middle of some interesting UFC drama, Conor McGregor decided to take advantage of the situation. Once again, McGregor has retired on social media in the middle of fight negotiations.

After Amanda Nunes beat Felicia Spencer at UFC 250, McGregor tweeted out his retirement from fighting. In the post, he stated the following:

“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.”

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

This is not the first time McGregor has teased leaving the world of combat sports. Back in 2016, after failing to fulfill media obligations, McGregor retired before UFC 200. Saying, “Thanks for the cheese”, McGregor left and came back in time to face Nate Diaz in a rematch at UFC 202. In the rematch, McGregor won via majority decision.

He then retired from mixed martial arts in March 2019 to work on contract negotiations. This was during a time when legal issues were surrounding McGregor following his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.

I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016

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

At the UFC 250 post-fight press conference, UFC President Dana White was asked about McGregor’s latest tweet. He ended up stating the following:

“You don’t have to fight. If these guys want to sit out and retire. If that’s what Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Jorge Masvidal are feeling right now.”

The announcement coincides with recent developments. Not long ago, Jon Jones stated that he wants to explore his options and make the UFC Light Heavyweight Title vacant. This comes after negotiations for a Francis Ngannou fight fell through and Jones thought the UFC wasn’t paying him what he felt he was worth. Before him, Henry Cejudo retired at UFC 249, with talks about a pay increase not gaining any traction. Recently, Jorge Masvidal questioned his status as an independent contractor with the UFC.

McGregor is currently one of the contenders in mind for the UFC Lightweight Title, with a possibility of fighting for the UFC Welterweight Title also in play. It is unknown how serious he is regarding his latest exit from the sport.