Conor McGregor: UFC fighter announces retirement for third time

CONOR McGregor says he has retired from fighting - for the third time in four years.

Ireland’s former two-weight UFC champion, 31, has a record of 22 wins and four defeats.

His last fight, in January 2020, saw him beat American fan favourite Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone in just 40 seconds in Las Vegas.

He has previously announced his retirement in 2016 and 2019 before twice returning to the octagon.

McGregor also tried boxing, losing to former five-weight world champion Floyd Mayweather in August 2017.

“Hey guys I’ve decided to retire from fighting,” he said on Twitter on Sunday.

“Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!”

Speaking after UFC 250 in Las Vegas, the organisation’s president Dana White said he had not been given advance warning of McGregor’s announcement.

“One of my people grabbed me and showed it to me on social media - that’s Conor, that’s how Conor works and does things,” said White.

“Conor McGregor’s not going to need some money any time soon. He loves the fight, he’s passionate about it and he has an incredible fighter IQ. But whatever his reason is, when you say you want to retire, don’t worry about it. Do your thing, man.”

White added: “We’re in a pandemic, the world is a crazy place right now. If these guys want to sit out and retire right now, or if anybody feels uncomfortable in any shape or form about what’s going on, you don’t have to fight - it’s all good. So if that’s what’s Conor’s feeling right now, Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal, I feel you.” UFC events are taking place without fans because of the coronavirus pandemic and last month McGregor suggested he would like to compete in a behind-closed- doors event. - BBC