Conor McGregor retires in shock announcement

MANILA, Philippines – UFC featherweight champ Conor McGregor shocked the sports world Wednesday, April 20, announcing his retirement and withdrawing from his fight at UFC 200 in Las Vegas.

The popular Irish fighter McGregor, 27, made his intention known on Twitter, stating “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese (money). Catch ya’s later.”

I have decided to retire young.
Thanks for the cheese.
Catch ya’s later.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 19, 2016

McGregor started his career in 2008 and made it to the UFC in 2013, winning his first 7 fights – including a championship record 13 second knockout of José Aldo in December to win the featherweight title – before tapping to Nate Diaz in two rounds at UFC 196 in March.

(READ: Conor McGregor is humble in defeat, but pulls no punches)

McGregor had been scheduled to face Diaz in a rematch in the main event of UFC 200 at T-Mobile Arena on July 7, but those plans are off. UFC president Dana White tells ESPN’s SportsCenter that he is not sure if McGregor’s retirement is certain, but confirmed that his next fight has been nixed

“Is Conor McGregor retiring? Only he can answer that question. I don’t know. But Conor McGregor is not fighting at UFC 200,” said White.

McGregor’s mixed martial arts record is 19-3 (7-1 in UFC). – Rappler.com