Fans were unsure if it were genuine – with some suggesting the Irishman’s account had been hacked or it was a PR stunt.

But UFC president Dana White has spoken out – shedding new light on the bombshell announcement.

And it appears McGregor HAS retired.

McGregor, 19-3, had been set to face Nate Diaz at UFC 200 in Las Vegas this summer.

Diaz, 19-10, shocked the world by handing the Notorious his first defeat inside the Octagon at UFC 196 last month.

But White revealed UFC had pulled McGregor from the July 9 event – after he refused to participate in promotional activities.

He claimed McGregor informed UFC officials he would not participate in a commercial photo shoot and press conferences.

The UFC is currently working on a new main event for the card, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Other bouts currently set for the event include two title fights, with Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar battling for the interim featherweight title, and Miesha Tate defending her UFC women's bantamweight crown against Amanda Nunes.

(dailystar.co.uk)