Conor McGregor has hinted at yet another retirement U-turn with a social media post.
The Crumlin fighter turned 32 today and thanked fans on Instagram for their birthday wishes while urging them to 'stay ready'.
Plenty of fight fans took the opportunity to encourage McGregor to return to the octagon alongside their birthday wishes for The Notorious - after he announced his his retirement from MMA for the third time in four years last month.
McGregor wrote: "Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone yous know the drill, Stay Ready."
His coach John Kavanagh has added fuel to speculation of a third comeback from retirement with his latest post on Instagram.
Sharing a photo of himself and McGregor from five years ago, Kavanagh commented: "5yrs ago. Book ain't finished."
Ahead of UFC 251, UFC president Dana White told Colin Cowherd: “As of right now, he’s retired.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he came out and wanted to fight somebody next year after all these different fights play out.”
The UFC President added: “There’s no doubt that Conor McGregor’s one of the best in the world.
“What’s going on with Conor McGregor is what goes on with all professional fighters when they become extremely wealthy and Conor McGregor is rich.
“He gets to pick and choose what he wants to do now and he’s at that point in his career where he’s got a few fights left.”
