Conor McGregor says he made one major change before his UFC comeback fight against Max Holloway. He avoided physical intimacy during training camp.
TMZ reported that McGregor discussed the change during UFC 329 media availability ahead of his Saturday night rematch with Holloway at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The former two-division UFC champion said it was the first time in his career that he had tried abstaining before a fight.
McGregor Said the Change Made Camp More Intense
McGregor framed the decision as part of his focus for a difficult comeback. Asked whether he still had the same hunger that drove him earlier in his career, he pushed back and said the challenge of facing Holloway was “colossal.”
He then said he had practiced abstaining during camp and described the experience as intense. The Sun reported that McGregor said he was excited to see what the change would bring on fight night.
The Sun noted that he previously dismissed pre-fight abstinence as a superstition and said he did not follow it.
The Rematch Comes After Five Years Away
McGregor has not fought in the UFC since his 2021 trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, when he suffered a serious leg injury. UFC lists UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena, with the event scheduled during International Fight Week.
McGregor and Holloway first fought in 2013, when McGregor won by unanimous decision. TMZ Sports reported that Holloway said he is preparing for a dangerous version of McGregor despite the long layoff.
Holloway also said the five-year break could bring out the best version of McGregor, but he still expects to win “in devastating fashion.”
McGregor Also Addressed Serious Backlash
McGregor was also asked about criticism tied to his return after a civil case in Ireland, where a jury found him liable for sexual assault. He has denied wrongdoing and again maintained his innocence while speaking to reporters.
MMA Fighting reported that the jury awarded damages to Nikita Hand after she accused McGregor of assaulting her in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
The outlet also reported that police investigated the claims but no criminal charges were filed, and that McGregor has continued to deny the allegations.