When it comes to the king of PPVs, Conor McGregor is your man. However, the Irishman is also the master of retirements. Despite being one of the most admired and successful fighters in the promotion, he has given his retirement more than any other fighter in the promotion.
The fighter has retired 3 times until now and is still competing in the lightweight division. Let’s have a look at the timeline of the retirements of the most outspoken fighter ever.
Conor McGregor ’s retirements
The first retirement: April 19, 2016
His first retirement came in 2016 after his first fight against Nate Diaz. Reportedly, he didn’t fly to States for UFC media events for his rematch against the Stockton Slugger.
I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya's later.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016
However, the Notorious returned for his rematch against Nate after UFC CEO convinced him. Later, the fight turned into one of the best fights of 2016. Any fight fan who has seen McGregor vs Diaz 2 will rank it in their top fights for sure. His first retirement lasted only for 46days.
Second retirement:March 25, 2019
It was in 2019 when Conor lost the most anticipated fight of his career against Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. After 5 months of that fight, Conor decided to quit.
Many of his fans expected his comeback. But, his suspension by NSAC until April made it a bit complicated. However, the retirement only lasted till he returned to defeat Donald Cowboy Cerrone
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
Conor McGregor latest retirement: June 6, 2020
His third and latest retirement came suddenly after Tryon vs Gilbert’s fight in May 2020. The fighter tweeted that:
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
McGregor later revealed that was “bored” of UFC after watching recent behind-closed-doors fights, but admitted that he’ll “see what the future holds”. He commented on ESPN :
“I’m a bit bored of the game…I watched the last show – the [Tyron] Woodley v [Gilbert] Burns show… I’m just not excited about the game”
Nonetheless, he again returned for his rematch against Dustin Poirier. After the losing, fight he and Poirier are going for their first trilogy bout at UFC 264. The former two-division UFC World Champion has a record of 22-5-0 UFC. For a fighter of his caliber, it doesn’t seem like after these 3 retirements, his original retirement might get neglected. But, who knows what there is in the future when the name is Conor Notorious McGregor