Conor McGregor made a notable change in his preparation for his UFC return, abstaining from sex for the first time in his career ahead of his welterweight bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
The 37-year-old Irishman, who has not competed since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, shared the details during media day.
“I’ve practiced abstaining also in this camp,” McGregor said, via the New York Post. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done it – from any type of physical touch, if you will. And that’s been intense.”
McGregor, who married Dee Devlin in Italy in December, has been training intensely, including sleeping in his coach’s gym away from his family. He expressed optimism about the sacrifice, noting a “fire in my belly roaring” that will be released on fight night, adding that he expects a “good night Saturday all across the board.”
The rematch with Holloway, whom McGregor defeated in 2013, marks his first Octagon appearance in five years.
While the fighter is channeling Spartan-like discipline for an edge, the unusual pre-fight routine has implications for his personal life with his wife and four children.
