Conor McGregor shook up the sports world two weeks back when he suddenly declared that he had decided to "retire young."
In the time since, that story has evolved into one of a major backstage power struggle between McGregor, one of the biggest attractions in combat sports today, and the UFC ownership group. While this tug-of-war has dominated the MMA news cycle, it has done so despite an uncharacteristically quiet McGregor.
Sure, he issued a statement and thrown a few barbs (presumably at promotional brass). Other than that, though, he has been loudly quiet on social media...until now.
McGregor blew up Twitter on Monday morning with a series of 10 tweets directed at people questioning his drawing power and chances in a rematch with Nate Diaz.
Look at the size of Nate Diaz. McGregor needs to go back to 145. pic.twitter.com/M6aTV1nPPy
— FrontRowBrian (@FrontRowBrian) May 2, 2016
He started with a response to FloSports' "FrontRowBrian," who discussed Diaz's newfound muscle:
I love it! Adapt and overcome.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 2, 2016
I am coming in light and lean for my rematch and I will school this boy to the bell. https://t.co/MjEwxokIYK
And then began responding to a number of fans:
I do not. I had the May/Pac record primed, ready to place MMA at the undisputed top. But it was not to be. #Press https://t.co/rmCxw6DX7y
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 2, 2016
Incorrect. I beat it by 400,000 buys.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) May 2, 2016
Which alone was 100,000 more buys than UFC 197 made IN TOTAL. #KillShot https://t.co/HzidAJQ3Iu
You can check out all the tweets on McGregor's twitter page.
Obviously, every word posted by McGregor is going to be analyzed thoroughly in the coming days to determine what subtle messages he was sending to UFC brass during this time. Hopefully he keeps this story moving and, hopefully, he can find some middle ground with the UFC in this dispute.