UFC Star Connor McGregor's Workout Regiment Shows You How Hard It Is to Become a UFC Champion

UFC fighter Jose Aldo hadn’t lost in 10 years—until Conor McGregor knocked him out in 13 seconds with a left hook on the chin.



How’d he do it? “Aldo is powerful, and he’s fast,” said the new champion. “But prevision beats power, and timing beats speed.”



Truth is, McGregor thinks traditional strength training is overrated. “People are so caught up in routine, doing the same thing over and over. I want to be an expert in many different things.”



That’s why he connected with the Israeli movement specialist Ido Portal, whose innovative approach borrows elements of matial arts, dance, circus, athletics, somatics, and other disciplines. McGregor says he began studying Portal’s methods on YouTube late in 2013, and eventually reached out so they could work face-to-face.



The fighter believes the unconventional training quickly helped him become a better fighter. “I’ve learned new footwork patterns,” he says. “I’ve learned how to find a lower center of gravity and found more angles to throw shots.”



Emphasizing graceful movements may sounds hippy-dippy, but it works, says Marco Sanchez, a trainer at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning. “Improved movement mechanics let you put your body in positions that enable you to make greater strength gains.”



Tight muscles sap power. This daily routine, inspired by drills from McGregor’s movement guru Portal, will help you unleash your full potential.