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MMA

26th Mar 2019

Khabib Nurmagomedov responds to Conor McGregor’s apparent retirement

McGregor announced that he intends to hang up his gloves

Darragh Murphy

McGregor made the shock announcement during the early hours of Tuesday morning

Khabib Nurmagomedov has issued a not-so-cryptic response to Conor McGregor’s unexpected retirement announcement.

On Tuesday morning, McGregor shocked the world by wishing his old colleagues well and revealing that he intended to hang up his gloves for good.

The fact that ‘The Notorious’ has previously pulled a stunt which saw him announce a retirement for the purpose of getting his way with the UFC has led many to believe that the latest announcement is no more than a negotiating ploy.

“Hey guys quick announcement, I’ve decided to retire from the sport formally known as “Mixed Martial Art” today,” McGregor wrote.

“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 fact that hours earlier, McGregor appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and revealed that he was in talks for a summer return but was currently dealing with the politics of the fight game made his apparent retirement announcement even more curious.

If the retirement is legitimate, McGregor will go out on a defeat, having been submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 229 last October.

McGregor was reportedly pushing for a rematch with the undefeated UFC lightweight champion, who responded to news of the Irishman’s decision with a proud declaration of his status in the 155lbs division.