Conor McGregor has revealed the reasons behind his recent cryptic message which suggested that he plans to call time on his UFC career.

The 27-year-old triggered speculation by taking to Twitter earlier this week and claiming that he had "decided to retire young".

UFC president Dana White announced that McGregor would not fight Nate Diaz on the UFC 200 card later this year after refusing to fly to Las Vegas for a news conference and promotional event.

Many were left confused by the Irishman's decision, with others suggesting that it was merely a publicity stunt, but McGregor has now moved to clarify that he is in fact still fully involved in the sport.

"I am not retired," he said in a statement. "I am paid to fight. I am not yet paid to promote. I have become lost in the game of promotion and forgot about the art of fighting. There comes a time when you need to stop handing out flyers and get back to the damn shop."

McGregor has won 19 of his 22 professional fights overall, including 17 knockouts during that run.