Conor McGregor has found an unexpected reason to reconsider his recent break from alcohol. After Brad Pitt revealed that he had started drinking again following seven years of sobriety, the former UFC champion announced that he planned to raise a glass of his own.
McGregor responded to Pitt’s comments on August 11 by saying he had decided to have “a few pints” of Forged Irish Stout in support of his “fellow actor.” As TMZ reported, he also wished Pitt well and noted that the stout contains 4.2 percent alcohol.
The post marks a quick change in tone for McGregor, who had emphasized abstinence and discipline while preparing for his July UFC comeback. Just one day before facing Max Holloway at UFC 329, he said he intended to remain away from alcohol even after the fight.
McGregor’s latest message was also unmistakably promotional. He specifically named his own stout brand while responding to Pitt.
McGregor Had Said He Would Stay Away From Alcohol After UFC 329
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During a July 10 appearance on the Full Send Podcast, McGregor discussed prioritizing his health and maintaining discipline as his UFC return approached. When the conversation turned to what he planned to do after the fight, McGregor said he would still attend the after-party but would not drink.
“I’ll be at the after party, I’ll be around, but I won’t be drinking,” he said. “My health, man, that’s everything.” He also spoke positively about the alcohol-free version of his Forged Irish Stout and indicated that he did not want to fall back into old habits once the fight was over.
The comments came one day before his July 11 rematch with Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. McGregor’s first UFC fight in five years lasted only 69 seconds. He injured his right knee early in the opening round, and Holloway was awarded a TKO victory after McGregor could no longer continue.
Brad Pitt’s Own Drinking Comments Prompted McGregor’s Toast
McGregor’s August 11 post followed Pitt’s disclosure that his seven-year period without alcohol had ended. In a new Esquire interview, Pitt was asked about his sobriety after offering the interviewer wine. “I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon,” Pitt said.
Pitt said he now drinks “in a more restrained manner” and acknowledged that he had become overconfident about drinking on a couple of occasions before recognizing that larger quantities did not work for him. “I can have a few. But I can’t have a lot,” Pitt said. “I have to be professional about it.”
McGregor responded soon afterward on X. “I have decided to have a few pints of The Worlds Creamiest Stout @ForgedStout in support of my fellow actor, Brad Pitt!” he wrote. “Take it easy, Brad!”
McGregor’s Post Doubled as a Plug for His Stout
McGregor expanded into acting when he appeared opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in the 2024 remake of Road House, giving him a playful excuse to put himself in the same professional category as Pitt. His August post also repeatedly named Forged Irish Stout, the beer brand he launched several years ago.
His immediate athletic focus remains his recovery from the knee injury suffered against Holloway. After undergoing surgery in early August, McGregor said “comeback season starts now” and indicated that he wants to return to the Octagon once his rehabilitation is complete.