By Kasen Stephensen

Conor McGregor, 27 year old Irish MMA fighter and featherweight champion, released a tweet on April 19 stating, “I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese.  Catch ya’s later.” It was retweeted 165,000 times and sent shock-waves through the MMA community.  His coach shortly after tweeted, “Well was fun while lasted,” adding to the incredulity of fans, athletes, and coaches.

However, McGregor recently posted a 650 word explanation via FaceBook beginning with, “I AM NOT RETIRED.”

In a familiarly egotistical rant, McGregor described the ridiculous pressure from the UFC for promotions.  UFC President Dana White announced that McGregor had been pulled from his rematch against lightweight champion Nate Diaz in July and McGregor attributed this to not participating in publicity events.

“Keep that 10 mill to promote the other bums that need it. My shows are good. I must isolate myself now. I am facing a taller, longer and heavier man. I need to prepare correctly this time,” he wrote.

McGregor’s popularity and fighting skill has brought in an estimated $400 million for the UFC from his last three fights, all within eight months.

Dana White was receptive to McGregor re-entering the fight against Diaz, but claimed the window was “pretty much closed.”