UFC star Conor McGregor appears to have announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.
McGregor, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion, tweeted: “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!”
The Irishman has not fought since October last year when he lost to lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.
McGregor was suspended for six months after that fight ended with brawls spreading into the crowd. Nurmagomedov received the heavier punishment and was banned for nine months.
McGregor appeared on the Jimmy Fallon show hours before making his announcement, saying that he was eager to fight again, but also that he did not need to.
“I am set for life, my family is set for life,” he said.
UFC president Dana White, with who McGregor did not always see eye to eye, said it “makes sense” the 30-year-old retires at this point, considering he has other successful business ventures.
“He has been so fun to watch,” White said via ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. “He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him and look forward to seeing him be as successful outside of the octagon as he was in it.”
McGregor is the biggest draw in mixed martial arts. He returned to UFC last year after a hiatus during which he made his boxing debut, a loss to Floyd Mayweather that generated tens of millions of dollars.