Mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor has announced his retirement on Twitter.

McGregor, 30, wrote: "Hey guys quick announcement, I've decided to retire from the sport formally known as 'Mixed Martial Art' today.

"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 move comes just days after the UFC fighter was arrested in Miami Beach after allegedly smashing a fan's phone.


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

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! — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 26, 2019

He was charged with strong-arm robbery and criminal mischief and was released from custody in the Florida city after posting his bond of $12,500 (£9,450).

At the time, the Miami Herald said McGregor had been in Florida for a couple of weeks on holiday as he prepared for a comeback.

McGregor started his MMA career in 2008 and won both the Cage Warriors Featherweight and Lightweight Championships in 2012. He held both titles simultaneously before vacating them to sign with the UFC.

Image: Floyd Mayweather Jr throws a punch at Conor McGregor during their super welterweight boxing match

He is the biggest pay-per-view (PPV) draw in MMA history, headlining four out of the six highest-selling UFC pay-per-view events. McGregor's boxing match with Floyd Mayweather drew 4.3m PPV buys in North America - the second most in history.

But he has had several run-ins with the law, with Irish leader Leo Varadkar last week distancing himself from the MMA star because he did not want to be associated with his unlawful actions.

Mr Varadkar was accused of snubbing the MMA star at a St Patrick's Day march in Chicago, with critics noting the leader had moved away from McGregor upon noticing he was there.

Image: Mr Varadkar was accused of snubbing the MMA star

Mr Varadkar later said: "Obviously he's had some trouble with the law in recent months, and I wouldn't condone or like to be associated with the kind of actions he's been involved in, which include prosecution in New York and a potential prosecution in Florida."

Recent photos shared on McGregor's Instagram stories show him appearing to fight an alligator, and going on a boat tour with his wife and son.

McGregor lost his last fight in October 2018, to Khabib Nurmagomedov, and also lost a boxing match to Mayweather.

In January this year, he was banned for six months and fined £38,095 for his part in a brawl after his defeat to Khabib.

UFC lightweight champion Khabib was also suspended for his role in the incident.

Image: Controversial martial arts star Conor McGregor says he is retiring

In April last year, Irish mixed martial arts star McGregor and others stormed a UFC event at the Barclays Center in New York.

Video footage showed people attempting to restrain McGregor as he appeared to throw a railing at a bus carrying Khabib and a number of other UFC fighters.

In a statement after one of his court appearances, McGregor said: "I regret my actions that led me here today.

"I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful this will get worked out."

McGregor has recently launched a fashion line called August McGregor, which sells modern suits to millennials. He also launched his own whiskey last year, named after the Dublin neighbourhood where he grew up.