Irish MMA star McGregor retires for 3rd time

ANKARA

Conor McGregor, a world famous Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) star from Ireland, retired on Sunday.

"Hey guys I've decided to retire from fighting. Thank you all for the amazing memories! What a ride it’s been!" McGregor, 31, said on Twitter.

This was his third retirement as McGregor previously quit in 2016 and 2019 but returned to fight.

McGregor is a former featherweight and lightweight champion, winning titles in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and Cage Warriors.

Nicknamed "Notorious", McGregor was beaten by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018 UFC lightweight title fight in Las Vegas.

McGregor last beat his 37-year-old US rival Donald Cerrone "Cowboy" in 40 seconds in January's UFC welterweight bout.

Forbes business magazine said that he was among the world's highest-paid athletes in 2020 with a $48-million income.

Separately, McGregor established an Irish whiskey company in 2018.