Conor McGregor ‘not retired’ despite row with UFC

In the past 48 hours, Irish featherweight UFC champion Conor McGregor has dramatically announced and then rescinded his retirement. He had been scheduled to face Nate Diaz for the second time at UFC 200, although that match is now in doubt.

McGregor and Diaz had traded blows at UFC 196 last month. McGregor moved up two divisions, from featherweight to welterweight, to face a much larger opponent in Diaz. Shocking most observers, Diaz stunned and then submitted the Irish champion in the second round. It was McGregor’s first loss in the UFC.

Since signing with the governing body, McGregor has rapidly become the UFC’s biggest star. With his sole loss to Diaz, a rematch was the obvious headliner for the promotion’s biggest event, UFC 200.