What UFC's Conor McGregor might do next after announcing his 'retirement'

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Conor McGregorImage source, Reuters

You may have heard that Conor McGregor has pulled out of fighting Nate Diaz at UFC 200 card on 9 July in Las Vegas.

He's also hinted that he may be retiring from fighting in Ultimate Fighting Championships completely - although that hasn't been officially confirmed.

This is Conor McGregor's tweet from Tuesday night.

He said: "Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later.I have decided to retire young.", external

And his coach John Kavanagh posted this.

He said: "Well was fun while it lasted.", external

So if he does retire, what will he do next. We have five ideas for him based on the latest betting odds.

1. Fight again in the UFC

Image source, Reuters

The retirement tweet is probably a reaction to Conor McGregor being pulled from the UFC 200 schedule in July.

He'd been training for his rematch against Nate Diaz in Iceland.

But UFC president Dana White says he withdrew after refusing to fly to America for a news conference and promotional photos.

So this "retirement" tweet may just be a reaction to being dropped from the UFC 200 line-up and he could be back sooner rather than later.

Odd on him fighting again - 1/4

2. Switch to WWE

Image source, AP

It's not unusual for WWE stars to dabble in the world of mixed martial arts at the same time.

There are also a number of MMA fighters who've swapped codes and become wrestlers, so that could be a career option for Conor McGregor.

Brock Lesnar (above) was a UFC champion in between spells at WWE.

Odds on him switching to WWE - 13/8

3. Appear in a reality TV show

Former British boxing champion Chris Eubank appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2001 while Katie Price's ex, Alex Reid, won the show in 2010.

So reality TV is definitely an option for former fighters of any code.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Alex Reid fought in mixed martial arts promotions like Cage Rage, BAMMA and UCMMA

Audley Harrison and Winston McKenzie have also both been contestants on CBB.

Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold is one of many UFC fighters to make the move into reality TV in America.

Image source, Getty Images

He appeared in US show Millionaire Matchmaker, which helps young, rich, workaholic celebrities find love. Sound familiar? Conor McGregor's 27 BTW.

Odds on him appearing in a reality TV show - 2/1

4. Have a professional boxing match

Most fighters move from boxing into mixed martial arts - search online for the likes of Ray Mercer, Julius Francis, James Toney and even Muhammad Ali.

Holly Holm - who beat Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in November - started off in kickboxing, moved to boxing and then became a mixed martial arts champion.

Image source, AP
Image caption,

Holly Holm then lost her bantamweight title to Miesha Tate at UFC 196 in March

Many former boxers find it hard to compete in mixed martial arts, so would it be any easier for Conor McGregor if he moved the other way?

Odds on him having a professional boxing bout - 9/4

5. Appear in a Hollywood blockbuster

This is not the most unlikely move on the list.

Conor McGregor certainly has the personality to appear in a movie and he looks like he has an important friend in the business.

This is Conor McGregor with Vin Diesel at his fight., external

It was reported that Conor McGregor had been offered a role in xXx: The Return of Xander Cage, starring his mate Vin Diesel, but pulled out in March to concentrate on his UFC career.

And there's always Dwayne Johnson - or the Rock.

Image source, AP

He started in WWE but made it big in Hollywood with films like The Mummy Returns, Southland Tales and playing Luke Hobbs in the Fast and Furious franchise.

Odds on him appearing in a Hollywood film - 10/1

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