Conor McGregor, 30, Announces Retirement From MMA On Twitter: “Proper Pina Coladas On Me!”

Conor McGregor, the face of UFC and former champion in two weight classes, announced his retirement early Tuesday.

The 30-year-old took to Twitter, writing: “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!”

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The move was unseen, bringing a sudden end to a divisive but entertaining career. Since his rise to fame, McGregor has appeared in matches less frequently. Whether it be the brutal boxing loss to Floyd Mayweather in August 2017 or his outburst after an October submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229, his recent fall from grace may have played into the retirement. McGregor was suspended six months for the incident in October and was also recently arrested for throwing a fan’s phone after he tried to take a photo of the MMA star.

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However, days before his April 6 return, McGregor left the sport. UFC President Dana White told the Associated Press that it “totally makes sense.”

“He has the money to retire, and his whiskey is KILLIN it,” White wrote. “If I was him, I would retire too. He’s retiring from fighting. Not from working. The Whiskey will keep him busy, and I’m sure he has other things he’s working on. He has been so fun to watch!!! He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him and I look forward to seeing him be as successful outside of the octagon as he was in it.”

Some fans speculate that McGregor’s retirement may be part of a press run for his return. In 2016, he retired for just days, tweeting: “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya’s later.” 48 hours later, he wrote a lengthy post on Facebook that ended with “I AM NOT RETIRED.”

Hours before news of his second retirement broke,  McGregor appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and seemed comfortable with life outside the octagon.

“I don’t necessarily need to fight,” McGregor said on the show. “I am set for life. My family is set for life. We are good, but I am eager to fight, so we’ll see what happens.”