What next for Conor McGregor? Retiring UFC star could head for Hollywood or WWE, or focus on his business and family
CONOR McGREGOR shocked the MMA world by announcing his official retirement from fighting on Saturday night - but what's next for the Irish UFC legend?
Notorious, 31, previously held two UFC championship belts and posted an emotional goodbye message on Twitter yesterday.
However, this isn’t the first time the star has claimed he is walking away from the sport, and many fans aren’t convinced we have seen the last of him.
Here's what we could see next from the MMA superstar...
Business Ventures
The athlete may be leaving combat sports to focus on his other business endeavours.
McGregor has built a whiskey empire with his product, Proper No Twelve.
He also has other lines of income including his successful clothing line, August McGregor, not to mention his Instagram account which is a hotspot for sponsorships and product endorsements.
Despite only fighting once in the last 12 months, his various income streams meant the star was able to make the Forbes “World’s Highest-Paid Athletes” list of 2020.
The Irishman has certainly found a pot of gold under the rainbow with his other business ventures and this could be the reason for his retirement.
The World Of Entertainment
McGregor could swap fighting for the bright lights of Hollywood.
Famous UFC stars like Randy Couture have transitioned into entertainment with successful roles in films such as The Expendables.
Other fighting legends have combined acting with fighting and joined the world of wrestling.
Even boxing legend Tyson Fury threw it down in the WWE cage in 2019 and has hinted at another future appearance.
McGregor is yet to enter the WWE and previously called out the athletes as "dweebs".
While a WWE appearance may be off the cards, he did appear in front of the camera for the 2017 film, The Notorious.
The sports documentary followed McGregor’s life over four years and his meteoric rise to UFC stardom.
Future TV or film appearances could be on the horizon for the charismatic star.
A Mega-Fight U-Turn
McGregor could make a shocking U-turn for the right fight and the right price.
In fact, many fans were taken back by the 31-year old's surprising return to face Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone this year at UFC 246.
Before that, McGregor had announced his retirement and hadn’t fought for several months, since his 2018 loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
His return to face Cerrone worked in his favour as the Notorious returned delivered a show-stopper TKO finish in the first round.
Notorious could be lured into the Octagon once again for the right matchup.
Rumours have circulated that the star could collide against MMA legend, Anderson Silva.
Welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman has also outlined his willingness to fight the Irish prospect.
If McGregor could beat Usman for the 170-pound belt, he would be the first fighter in UFC history to claim three belts from three different divisions.
A blockbuster rematch against "The Eagle" Nurmagomedov could also tempt McGregor into a possible return.
However, the current lightweight champion is interested in defending his title against lightweight prospects Tony Ferguson or Justin Gaethje.
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Floyd Mayweather Showdown
If McGregor is done with MMA for good, Floyd Mayweather might be the answer.
The former UFC champion faced the undefeated Mayweather in his first professional boxing bout in August 2017.
Despite McGregor's undeniable striking abilities, the boxing world champion ultimately schooled his opponent, sealing the 10th round TKO win.
Softening the blow of a disappointing loss, McGregor pocketed one of the biggest paycheques of his career and might be tempted by another possible showdown.
In fact, after Mike Tyson revealed his plans to return to the ring, McGregor revealed his plan to rematch Mayweather once and for all.
Last month, the 31-year old promised Mike Tyson that he will avenge his boxing match loss to Mayweather in a rematch.
Sharing Is Caring
McGregor might be serious about hanging up his MMA gloves for good.
If he is, then what better way to reap the rewards of his career than by sharing them with friends and family.
In his official retirement announcement, the star used the opportunity to show some love to his mother, Margaret McGregor.
The athlete has a collection of mega-mansions around the globe where he stays with his family and long-term partner Dee Devlin.
Despite numerous cheating allegations, the pair are still going strong and share two young children together.
McGregor also helps those in need. Recently, the athlete donated £860,000 to Irish hospitals to battle the coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier this month, he posted his support for the Black Lives Matter movement and advocated for an end towards racism.
Time away from the Octagon may give McGregor the time to focus on his other passions such as charity work and spending time with his family.