​UFC superstar Conor McGregor offered an update on his personal life as he prepares for a return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC 329. After a five-year absence from the cage, McGregor will face Max Holloway in a highly anticipated rematch that headlines the event. In the lead-up to his comeback, the Irishman has been sticking to a disciplined training camp, aiming to secure his first victory since January 2020, when he stopped Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. A notable part of his preparation has involved abstaining from sex, a regimen he says he’s undertaken to sharpen focus and performance for the bout against Holloway.
Speaking with reporters in Las Vegas ahead of UFC 329, McGregor disclosed that he has not engaged in sex during this fight camp, and he’s eager to observe how this abstinence might influence his performance in the octagon. “The fire is in my belly roaring, and it’s about to be released on Saturday night. I’ve practiced abstaining as well in this camp; it’s the first time I’ve ever done it, from any type of physical touch. It’s been intense, and I’m excited to see what it brings on Saturday night. I’m gonna have a good night Saturday, all across the board,” he said.
abstinence isn’t unique in combat sports. Many fighters in MMA and boxing have experimented with similar disciplines during fight camps. For McGregor, a father of four, this is a first-time experience.
As the fight draws nearer, McGregor enters UFC 329 as the betting underdog, listed at +190 against Holloway, who is a -225 favorite. Considering McGregor’s five-year layoff, age (37), and a severe leg injury that sidelined him for an extended period, the odds reflect a challenging path back to the winner’s circle. Holloway, younger by three years and more active in recent years, presents a formidable challenge, especially since this is Holloway’s first bout at 170 pounds in the Octagon. Yet, there remains a case for McGregor: he still possesses one-punch knockout power and has more experience competing at welterweight, which could offer him strategic advantages in this matchup.
Regardless of the odds, UFC 329 promises to be a landmark night for McGregor and for the promotion. The event is anticipated to break the gate record for a UFC show at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and there is potential for viewership records on Paramount+. The magnitude of the night extends beyond this single bout; a win could open doors to future opportunities, including the possibility of another title shot. A successful return might place McGregor in line for a title tilt at 155 pounds against UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje or at 170 pounds against UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, should the right path unfold.
But for now, the immediate focus is on Holloway. If McGregor can deliver a win on Saturday, it could reset the narrative around his career and reestablish him as a contender on multiple weight fronts. And beyond the win, fans and analysts will be watching to see whether the abstinence experiment has any measurable impact on his performance in the cage. If results align with his expectations, it could become a talking point about how personal discipline interplays with elite athletic performance at the highest levels of mixed martial arts. As the countdown to UFC 329 continues, all eyes will be on McGregor to see whether the comeback story extends further than a single highly anticipated fight.