UFC: Bisping And Cormier Discuss McGregor’s Retirement

Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have shared their thoughts on Conor McGregor’s recent retirement. The former two division champion announced his exit from the sport on social media last week. He listed a lack of exciting fights as he main reason for leaving, and after several successful business investments, the Irishman is no longer reliant on the sports financially.

Bisping shed doubt on McGregor’s decision, during the latest episode of his Believe You, Me podcast (transcribed by BJPenn.com).

“I mean, who knows what’s going on behind the scenes because there’s always much more to it. But yes, he’s done it before, as you say, he’s the boy who cried wolf. It would appear from the outside that I don’t think anyone is convinced that he is actually retired. I mean, he’s a young man, he’s in his prime, he’s the biggest star this sport has ever seen. He’s bigger than all the other stars put together, to be honest. He’s the cash cow, simple as that. There’s money to be made and I don’t think he’s going to leave that.

“He has achieved a lot, he has a huge brand name, he doesn’t really need to fight again. So maybe there is [truth], but I doubt it is a real retirement.

‘The Count’ explained why he thinks Conor became the UFC’s biggest asset.

“Why is he so popular? It’s a number of things. Yeah, there was a push from the UFC, but they wouldn’t have got behind him and given him a push unless there was a reason to. He’s the whole package, he looks good, he fights well, he talks good, he’s from Ireland. He’s a breakout star from Ireland!”

Daniel Cormier believes that the promotion must come to an agreement with McGregor. Speaking to Ariel Helwani on ESPN, DC stated that McGregor’s departure would be hugely damaging to the company’s long-term future.

“Everything is just bigger when he competes, and the whole aspect of that is gone when he fights in front of no fans. So I get why there’s a little hesitancy there, but it’s not worth risking losing him for the long term because you can’t make him happy right now.

“They’ve gotta make it happen. Again, it’s not worth the penalty if he’s gonna walk away. It’s not worth it, you know, you’ve gotta make it work for him.”

With the recent confirmation of Fight Island’s location and dates, many new opportunities are now open to Conor McGregor. Should he want to take any of them.

Do you agree with Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping?


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