​Conor McGregor revealed a single major adjustment ahead of his UFC comeback fight against Max Holloway, opting for abstinence from physical intimacy during his training camp. During UFC 329 media availability ahead of the rematch at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, McGregor explained that this was the first time in his career he had intentionally practiced abstaining before a fight. He framed the decision as part of his focus on a challenging and pivotal comeback, emphasizing that facing Holloway represented a colossal challenge and that the abstinence was a deliberate part of sharpening his concentration.
McGregor described the abstinence as an intense but purposeful experience, noting that he had drilled the approach throughout camp. The Sun later quoted him saying he was curious to see what the change would yield on fight night, while also pointing out that McGregor had previously dismissed pre-fight abstinence as a superstition and said he was not a follower of such a routine in the past.
This forthcoming rematch marks McGregor’s return to the UFC after a long layoff stemming from his 2021 trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, during which he sustained a serious leg injury. UFC 329 is scheduled for July 11 at T-Mobile Arena, as part of International Fight Week. McGregor and Holloway first clashed in 2013, a bout won by McGregor via unanimous decision, a victory that helped launch McGregor’s rise to superstardom.
TMZ Sports noted that Holloway prepared for a dangerous version of McGregor despite the five-year gap between their fights. Holloway, acknowledging the long layoff, suggested that the extended break could even bring out the best in McGregor, while still expressing confidence that he would win in devastating fashion.
McGregor also faced questions about the scrutiny surrounding his return, including a civil case in Ireland wherein a jury found him liable for sexual assault. He has vehemently denied the allegations and reiterated his innocence during media sessions. MMA Fighting provided details of the case, noting that the jury awarded damages to Nikita Hand following an accusation that McGregor assaulted her in a Dublin hotel in 2018. The report added that police investigated the claims but no criminal charges were filed, and McGregor has continued to deny the allegations. This ongoing legal matter has been a recurring topic surrounding his public appearances and comeback narrative.