Sport

Conor McGregor announces retirement from mixed martial arts

Conor McGregor's last fight was a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas in October
Conor McGregor's last fight was a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas in October Conor McGregor's last fight was a loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov in Las Vegas in October
By Press Association

Ireland's former two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor says he has "retired from the sport formally known as 'Mixed Martial Art'".

The Irishman, who finishes with 21-4 record, said on his Twitter account on Tuesday morning that he had decided to call it a day and wished his former colleagues well.

McGregor (30) returned to the octagon last October after a hiatus of nearly two years where he fought Khabib Nurmagomedov for the lightweight strap.

The Russian retained his UFC lightweight title when he beat McGregor with a fourth-round submission but the event was marred by a post-fight brawl which led to both fighters being fined and suspended.

McGregor posted Twitter: "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!"

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and UFC fighter Conor McGregor among those marching in a St Patrick's Day parade in Chicago
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and UFC fighter Conor McGregor among those marching in a St Patrick's Day parade in Chicago Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and UFC fighter Conor McGregor among those marching in a St Patrick's Day parade in Chicago

McGregor quickly became one of UFC's biggest stars, winning performance of the night three times in succession after defeating Diego Brandao, Dustin Poirier and Chad Mendes

His next bout at UFC 194 saw him take the interim featherweight title with a knockout of Jose Aldo inside 13 seconds.

A loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 in his welterweight debut was his first in UFC and halted a 15-fight winning streak but the Irishman won a rematch five months later.

A win over Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight championship saw McGregor become the sport's first dual-weight champion.

After the success at UFC 205, McGregor opted to take time away from MMA and it was during that hiatus that he took on Floyd Mayweather in his first professional boxing match.

'The Money Fight' was a lucrative affair - with more than a million pay per view buyers in the UK and four million in the United States, with the American defeating his opponent in the 10th round by TKO.