LeBron James inspired Conor McGregor to spend his millions on his body – but will it ensure a UFC comeback victory against Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone?
The Irish MMA bad boy says he’s in the best shape of his life ahead of January 19’s comeback fight – and credits the NBA star with inspiring a new-found investment in health and fitness, instead of just cars and watches
After his underwhelming performance against the Russian fighter, some wondered whether McGregor would ever reach the same heights as those he reached in his initial run as an MMA superstar. Doubts grew even louder when he announced his retirement from the ring, and then later retracted the announcement.
But ahead of his comeback fight against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, McGregor says he's in the best shape of his life – and credits NBA superstar LeBron James with inspiring his decision to invest in his own health and training.
Speaking to ESPN's Ariel Helwani, McGregor explained that he had not followed a strict training regimen earlier in his career, focusing only on the build-up to a fight; but after reading about how James kept his body in peak shape, he felt inspired to do more.
“I read something about LeBron James a while back, maybe a year ago,” McGregor said. “That he spent US$1.5 million annual on his health, himself. His everything. His nutritionists, trainers, everything. And I spent nothing. Only in camp.”
With James in mind, McGregor admonished himself for spending so much on frivolous things while not investing in his body.
“I drop money on a bleeding car, or a watch,” McGregor said. “So I'm like, spend on myself. My health, my fitness, and that's helped me. And then you're going to acquire even more when you're sharp, and that's what I am now.”
James’ training regimen and commitment to his own health are some of the reasons behind the basketball star’s long and successful career, with trainers, nutritionists and personal chefs all part of the equation, in addition to his impressive workouts and recovery techniques.
We won't know how well McGregor has adapted to James' regimen until he's back in the octagon, but if he really is in the best shape of his life, his fight with Cowboy could be a quick one.
Want more stories like this? Sign up here. Follow STYLE on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.