What Does Dana White Think About Conor McGregor’s Retirement?
Considering he has retired three times already, UFC President Dana White isn’t so sure the former UFC Lightweight and Featherweight Champion in Conor McGregor is done with MMA just yet.
McGregor (22-4) retired after UFC 250 a few weeks ago. 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 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. Speaking with Colin Cowherd this week, White discussed McGregor’s latest absence.
“As of right now, he’s retired,” White stated, via MMA Fighting. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out and wanted to fight somebody next year after all these different fights play out.”
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McGregor ended up stating that the sport does not excite him anymore following matchups being delayed. UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is expected to fight Justin Gaethje sometime before the end of the year, while Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson have been busy with fights of their own. Kamaru Usman is set to defend his UFC Welterweight Title against Jorge Masvidal, while Nate Diaz is nowhere to be found.
White went on to say that McGregor is doing what all prized fighters with money end up doing. He earned a major payday against Mayweather, over $30 million, and has become the top marketer for the UFC.
“There’s no doubt that Conor McGregor’s one of the best in the world,” White stated. “What’s going on with Conor McGregor is what goes on with all professional fighters when they become extremely wealthy and Conor McGregor is rich.
“He gets to pick and choose what he wants to do now and he’s at that point in his career where he’s got a few fights left.”
Recently, McGregor has teased a return to boxing. He has also teased a bout with Anderson Silva while calling out Gaethje. Following a 15-month layoff, McGregor beat Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 in January.