Hedge Fund Manager Thinks Conor McGregor's Retirement Would Cause 'Disaster' For UFC's Finances

On Tuesday afternoon, UFC featherweight Champion Conor McGregor surprised his fans with a Tweet announcing his retirement. The tweet just read: “"I have decided to retire young. Thanks for the cheese. Catch ya's later.”

McGregor, who had never lost a UFC fight, was beat by Nate Diaz in a non-title fight last month. A rematch was scheduled for July 9. However, last week Joao Carvalho died from injuries suffered during a Total Extreme Fighting event, and McGregor was at the ringside during the match.

After the fighter passed away, McGregor posted the following on Facebook: “To see a young man doing what he loves, competing for a chance at a better life, and then to have it taken away is truly heartbreaking.” Some have speculated this had a lot to do with his retirement.

In a series of tweets, user @FrontRowBrian, a hedge fund manager, first called the announcement a “Negotiating ploy.” However, a few minutes later, he seemed to start taking the issue more seriously, and got thinking about the consequences.

“Conor retiring would cause disaster for their books. He brings in $50+ million in revenue for UFC every time he fights. And Ronda is MIA,” he said.

The money manager then added “If Conor walked away. RR MIA. That's why investors are so scared of UFC. Extremely volatile. So individual star driven. UFC brand overrated.”

Finally, he supplemented, “See 2014 Zuffa financials and tell me it isn't star driven and the UFC brand prevails. Then look at 15 w/ 3 CMac fights and 3 RR fights.”

However, a few subsequent tweets suggested the manager does not actually believe McGregor would retire soon. “Conor said he was retiring young. Didn't say he was retiring now. Yet hysteria followed,” he posted.

Disclosure: Javier Hasse holds no positions in any of the securities mentioned above.