Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is finally making his highly anticipated return to the octagon on June 29, where he will face off against Michael Chandler. However, his training regimen has raised some eyebrows.
During the buildup to UFC 303, McGregor’s attention has shifted from his acting career, such as his role in Roadhouse, to preparing for the formidable opponent, Chandler.
During his stroll to the training facility, the Irishman documented his route, which also included a quick detour to embrace a tree. And yes, he was being genuine.
Conor McGregor has started hugging trees and walking barefoot ahead of his UFC returnpic.twitter.com/sNPzXI5VBZ
— dexerto (@dexerto) May 15, 2024
During the recording, McGregor, who was barefoot, walked towards a tree that was in the distance and proceeded to give it a warm embrace.
The 35-year-old spoke with his face pressed against the bark, “I have been hugging these trees lately and it gives me a nice little feeling, yeah.”
“Connecting with the earth, being in touch with trees, and engaging in nature activities all bring a sense of well-being. However, I now have to shift my focus and confront someone.”
Despite being uncommon, doctors state that embracing trees has positive effects on our well-being. It aids in improving mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and also has physical benefits such as lowering blood pressure levels.
McGregor has always relied on the outdoors to aid in his training for fights, as he was a passionate cyclist who enjoyed riding through nature to increase his endurance prior to a match.
Despite enduring injuries in a terrifying bicycle accident in January 2023, he has discussed revamping his training process to adapt and improve.
Instead of riding his bicycle, McGregor has recently taken up long walks and jogs in nearby parks. However, the unusual practice of training barefoot and hugging trees is a novel addition.
‘Mystic Mac’ claims that his body is in excellent condition, which is nearly three years since he suffered a fractured leg during his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
With assistance from Mother Nature, McGregor appears to be on track to reclaim his position as a leading contender in the UFC.
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