A timeline of all 3 of Conor McGregor’s retirement announcements
By Orlando Torres
A timeline of all 3 of Conor McGregor’s retirements.
Over the past four years, UFC star Conor McGregor has made headlines for controversial and promising reasons. Immediately after UFC 250 the former featherweight and lightweight champion announced on he was yet again retiring from the sport of MMA.
MMA fans are no stranger to this theme, for many, the announcement was not surprising. This now marks the third time that the Irishman decided that he would call it quits.
Here’s each of the three times McGregor retired.
Conor McGregor’s first retirement – April 19, 2016
I have decided to retire young.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.
The first came in 2016 after McGregor decided not to travel to the United States for media events surrounding his rematch with Nate Diaz.
Fortunately for Dana White, he was able to get McGregor back for a showdown with Diaz that turned out to be one of the best fights of that year. Out of the top 10 fights in 2016, the UFC ranked the Mcgregor vs. Diaz rematch at No. 2. The first retirement lasted 46 days.
Conor McGregor’s second retirement – March 25, 2019
Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 26, 2019
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!
The second retirement was even more controversial than the first. This came five months after McGregor lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.
While many expected McGregor to come back, this time around was a little complicated. At the time McGregor was suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission until April, due to a brawl that broke out with Nurmagomedov following their fight. The second retirement lasted nine days.
Conor McGregor’s third retirement – June 6, 2020
Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) June 7, 2020
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
With the current state that the UFC is currently in, it’s very possible that this could end up being McGregor’s longest retirement for the foreseeable future. Money issues stemming from the pandemic put negotiating with the UFC difficult and it’s unlikely the UFC will want to lose a live gate on a McGregor fight.
Next. The 15 most notorious moments of Conor McGregor’s UFC hiatus. dark