UFC star Conor McGregor announces retirement from fighting for third time

UFC fighter Conor McGregor has announced he is retiring from the sport for the third time in four years.

The Irish former featherweight and lightweight champion tweeted the news following the conclusion of the UFC 250 event in Las Vegas.

He wrote: "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."

The 31-year-old 'retires' with a 22-4 record having last fought in January. 'Notorious' returned to the cage after a 15-month layoff to beat Donald 'Cowboy' Cerrone in 40 seconds in January.

While Dana White has been determined to stage events during the coronavirus pandemic, two of UFC's other big earners in Jorge Masvidal and Jon Jones have demanded release from their contracts with the organisation, insisting they are not being paid sufficiently.

Reacting to McGregor's announcement, White told reporters: "We're in a pandemic. The world is a crazy place right now and everybody feels it. I think everybody's [angry], confused and been locked in their houses for three months."

He added: "The amount of people I have gunning at me right now is insane. So if that's what Conor's feeling right now, Jon Jones, Jorge Masvidal, I feel you. On a certain level, I understand it."

McGregor previously said he was finished with the sport in 2016 and 2019 before ultimately returning to the octagon.

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