Conor McGregor Ends Alcohol-Free Streak, Citing Brad Pitt as Inspiration
Conor McGregor has announced that he is ending his latest alcohol-free streak, and his stated inspiration is an unlikely Hollywood figure: Brad Pitt.
The former UFC champion said he had decided to return to drinking after learning that Pitt had recently revealed he was no longer maintaining his seven-year period of sobriety. McGregor’s announcement came as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered during his UFC comeback against Max Holloway last month.
Pitt recently opened up about his relationship with alcohol in an interview, explaining that after seven years without drinking, he had begun consuming alcohol again in a more restrained manner. His sobriety had begun following the turbulent period surrounding his 2016 separation from Angelina Jolie, and he previously credited recovery programs and people in his support network with helping him change his lifestyle.
McGregor appeared to take Pitt’s announcement as a reason to raise a glass himself. Reports say the Irish fighter specifically referenced drinking his own Forged Irish Stout in announcing his decision.
The timing is notable. McGregor had spoken publicly about avoiding alcohol before his return to competition, while he recently discussed how his involvement in the alcohol business had complicated his own relationship with drinking. He said that promoting his former whiskey brand eventually resulted in him drinking far more than he had during his peak athletic years.
His latest decision comes during a difficult period in his fighting career. McGregor’s July 11 return against Holloway ended after only 69 seconds when he suffered an ACL and meniscus injury. He subsequently underwent surgery and has said he intends to begin another comeback.
For now, McGregor’s unusual Brad Pitt-inspired announcement adds another unexpected chapter to the former champion’s relationship with alcohol—and gives Hollywood’s leading man an unlikely connection to one of MMA’s most famous personalities.
