Conor McGregor has gone downhill from his glory days. Over the past seven years, the UFC’s first concurrent two-division champion has won just two out of his five fights. During his prime, McGregor could virtually hit opponents at will. A striking sensation in his early years, his striking prowess was characterized by his exceptional understanding of angles and an expert understanding of timing and distance. McGregor’s fights were simply a sight to behold.
A master at baiting his opponents, his counter-striking abilities were a significant part of his success. Combined with a flair for spectacle and a loud-mouth persona, it is easy to see why he became the most popular mixed martial artist ever. Today, however, his striking seems to have lost the venom. While his movement has lost the fluidity. And one analysis of his decline puts much of the blame on his ego and training.
The ego runs everything in Conor’s life
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Last year, coaches from Vahva Fitness, a fitness program that has influenced former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka‘s unorthodox training methods, analyzed McGregor’s training and the changes he has undergone over the years. Their verdict was that the dip in ‘Mac’s performance could be attributed to him having become bigger but stiffer. They concluded that Conor McGregor’s change from an athletic and versatile training approach to strength training focused on heavy squats and lifts has caused this decline and summarized the problems with his current training regimen in the following four points-
- “The Heavy lifts constantly make the body stiffer and less elastic”
- “Wear and tear on the joints (MMA is already very tough on the body)”
- “He can build muscle but actual transference to MMA is poor”
- “Wasted energy and wasted recovery”
The coach also speculated on the motivations behind this change. They stated that ‘Notorious’ changed his training to get a more impressive physique, but it came at the cost of MMA functionality and performance. They felt he was indulging in ego training as “everything in his life is run by the ego”.
Another important motivation behind this change was the Irishman’s losses to Nate Diaz and Floyd Mayweather, which affected him deeply. To deal with this pain and trauma, according to them, he strengthened his body as a defense mechanism.
Conor McGregor talks about mental health struggle
In a recent interview, Conor McGregor talked about when he would make his next UFC appearance and said his comeback was scheduled for April. The Dubliner will fight Michael Chandler in a welterweight bout after over two years out of the ring.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the interview from Saudi, the former champion opened up about the toll his absence from the Octagon has taken on his mental health. He alluded to statements Alexander Volkanovski made after his UFC 295 loss to Islam Makhachev, where he talked about struggling with mental health issues when not fighting or in camp.
“I’ve been kept from my living for three years now, understand that. I came through what I came through. I’m sitting on an injury and a loss — imagine what that does … you hear what Alexander Volkanovski said? I relate. I must return to my way of living. This is my job, so it’s beyond frustrating…I just want the date. My date, please,” an emotional McGregor said,
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He expressed frustration at being out of the cage for three years, dealing with losses and injuries. ‘Mac’ was eager to return to his way of life and pleaded for a date. Although there have been no official announcements yet, Dana White has indicated that McGregor will return to the UFC 300 mega-card.
Watch This Story: After shattering Stephen Curry’s dreams, 24 YO Lakers star unveils Warriors superstar’s personal message
