Morning report: Dana White and Ronda Rousey comment on Conor McGregor's "retirement" tweet

Conor McGregor announced that he would be retiring from MMA in a tweet Monday night.

"Hello guys, quick announcement, I decided to retire from the sport previously called" mixed martial art ". I wish good luck to all my former colleagues for the competition. I now join my old partners in this company, already retired. Pina Coladas on me guys! "

If this is true, it would be a significant change for the MMA. McGregor has been the biggest MMA star in years and has, in many ways, shaped the sport in his image. The goal of every champion is to become a "champion", as was the pioneer McGregor, and it's easy to see the influence of his talkative character on many fighters who try to convince themselves of the victory.

But the "so true" part is a major qualifier.

McGregor sent a similar Tweet in 2016 in reaction to the withdrawal of the UFC from the UFC 200 because he had refused to do a media tour for the event. In the end, of course, McGregor did not retire and took over the title of UFC 202 a few months later. Similarly, McGregor revealed last week that he was negotiating with the UFC about his return, potentially in July, and that he seemed ready to face Khabib Nurmagomedov. But McGregor was also determined to get his "legitimate actions in society," a point that the UFC did not want to take into account. It is quite possible that McGregor is using retirement again as a way to play hard with the UFC.

Of course, it is also possible that McGregor decided that head trauma was useless if he had other lucrative career opportunities. That's what UFC President Dana White told at least to ESPN's Brett Okamoto.

"He has money to retire and his whiskey is KILLIN. It's totally logical. If I were him, I would retire too. He withdraws from the fight. No job. The whiskey will keep him busy and I'm sure he has other projects he's working on. It was so much fun to watch !!! He has accomplished incredible things in this sport. I am so happy for him and I am looking forward to seeing him succeed as well outside of the octagon as he was there. "

McGregor has had success in his business outside of the fighting. Last year, he launched his own whiskey brand, Proper 12, which was sold in the United States in the first two weeks and has since become the most followed brand of spirits on Instagram. McGregor is also partnering with David August to launch his own clothing line, August McGregor. McGregor would also have many roles to play in film if his retirement was real and he wanted to pursue Hollywood. Then there is also the world of simulated fights.

If McGregor is the biggest star in the history of MMA, Ronda Rousey is not far behind. Rousey has dedicated his success to the MMA in many film roles and ultimately in a WWE starring role. Now, Rousey is about to present the first major women's event at Wrestlemania next month and is ready to toast McGregor's decision to pursue other projects.

"It's a creative way to retire and it's an enigmatic way to retire," Rousey told SportsCenter on Tuesday. "We will see how permanent it is. If he wants to retire forever, he has more than deserved it. As I said, I'm ready to buy the second round. "

McGregor has been in orbit around the WWE for years, with his character and his "Billionaire Strut" directly in their ranks. Is it possible that this is simply a configuration for McGregor to appear in Wrestlemania next month?

Absolutely.

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Farewell? Conor McGregor tweets about the fact that he "decided to withdraw" from MMA.

Chin. Anthony Thompson, Stephen Pettis, explains Stephen Thompson: "I know I was hit harder than that."

Policy. Kevin Lee says that too much "politics" in lightweights has gone to 170.

Wrestlemania. Ronda Rousey will present the first-ever main women's event at WrestleMania.

Paw. Colby Covington said that Ben Askren "should give his Hodge trophy" to Robbie Lawler after the "fluke" of the UFC.

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The MMA Hour with Kevin Lee, Stephen Thompson, Maycee Barber and Jack Marshman.

MMW on Masvidal. The opening of this video is amazing.

This is an interesting perspective on Showtime vs. Wonderboy.

Barboza respectful of Khabib and Tony.

Free fights.

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The main co-event. Discuss UFC Nashville and Gaethje against Barboza.

Mookie and Crookie. Discuss the meaning of the new PPV UFC / ESPN model for MMA fans.

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The Tweet.

Khabib.

Nate has thoughts.

Reaction.

This energy thing is the most stupid ish.

Choose a fight.

Lotta fighters are going to want a camo shorts.

Call out.

Impressive.

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Makwan Amirkhani (14-3) vs. Chris Fishgold (18-2-1); UFC Stockholm, June 1st.

Felice Herrig (14-8) vs. Yan Xiaonan (10-1, 1 NC); UFC 238, June 8.

Dean Trueman (10-4) against Soren Bak (13-1); Cage Warriors 106, June 26th.

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2008: Brian Stann eliminated Doug Marshall in 95 seconds to become the WEC Light Heavyweight Champion at WEC 33.

2010: Daniel Cormier had his second MMA fight, knocking out John Devine at Strikeforce Challengers: Johnson vs. Mahe.

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Well, Conor knows how to spice up a day, huh? I doubt that he actually takes his retirement (he would not do it with a Tweet, he would have a pressure), but if it ends up being legitimate, good for him. Got his money and went out before things got too hairy.

Thank you for reading and see you tomorrow.

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