Conor McGregor returns to the Octagon this weekend when he takes on Dustin Poirier for the second time in his career at UFC 257 and in preparation for his third fight at lightweight, the Irishman has adopted a strict new diet to ensure he’s at the top of his game when the opening bell rings in Abu Dhabi.
Having begun his career at featherweight, where in the build-up to his match with Urijah Faber his opponent remarked that he looked so gaunt that he might die, McGregor, the biggest PPV draw in MMA history, has had to tailor his diets with absolute scrutiny to make sure he always turns up for his fights in the best shape of his life. Saturday night’s fight with Poirier will be no different, and ahead of the 32-year-old’s rematch with the tough American, his nutritionist, Tristan Kennedy, has tailored his client’s diet, training regime and overall prep work once again.
Speaking to ESPN, Kennedy said, "His diet consists of lean sources of protein: chicken, fish, salmon, beef, eggs.
"Good complex carbohydrates. Good microelements - your herbs, basil, oregano. All these things are incorporated into the diet as a whole.
"We have a great balanced diet. From multiple protein sources, multiple carbohydrate sources of wholesome foods. And that's the key. I hear people these days, they're focused on one food or two or three foods. The key is to get nutrients from all foods. And that's what we incorporate and that's what we do."
Below is a sample of what a daily plan looks like for McGregor in the run up to Poirier…
McGregor’s Sample Daily Meal Plan
- Breakfast: Oats with eggs and sautéed green leafy vegetables
- Morning snack: Fruit and herb salad with organic honey
- Lunch: Chicken breast with rice and asparagus
- Midday snack: Whey protein shake with nut butter
- Dinner: Lamb stew with potatoes
- Evening snack: Homemade whey protein balls and organic tea
