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Joe Rogan, the voice synonymous with MMA analysis, has weighed in on what he believes to be the primary factor behind Conor McGregor's visible career decline. It’s not the wealth, the fame, or even the "silk pajamas" often blamed for a fighter’s loss of edge—Rogan points to something much deeper and more destructive: McGregor’s hard-partying lifestyle.
The Meteoric Rise of 'The Notorious'
Conor McGregor’s journey in the UFC is nothing short of legendary. From his hunger-fueled debut to capturing titles in two weight divisions, McGregor’s unrelenting drive to dominate the sport was evident. He was a man on a mission, captivating fans worldwide with his charisma and fighting prowess.
However, after achieving his dreams, including a historic bout with Floyd Mayweather that reportedly netted him hundreds of millions, McGregor’s priorities seemed to shift. The relentless hunger that propelled him to the top gave way to a lifestyle of luxury, business ventures, and, as Rogan highlights, hard partying.
Rogan’s Take: Partying, Not Wealth, Is the Culprit
In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan delved into the heart of McGregor’s decline. While many blame the riches and comforts that come with superstardom, Rogan insists it’s the fighter’s affinity for extreme partying that has derailed his career.
"I don't know if Conor's ever going to fight again," Rogan said. "The reality is that guy's partying. And he's partying real hard. He talked about it in the court case. He was talking about cocaine."
Rogan compared McGregor to another MMA icon, Jon Jones, who also faced struggles with addiction. Both fighters, Rogan notes, share a penchant for extreme lifestyles that mirror their intense personas in the octagon.
"You've got consistent trauma to your f***ing dome over and over and over again," Rogan explained. "Then you get a little bit of coke and you're feeling good again. The guy obviously likes extreme things, which is why he's such a great fighter. They're wild people."
The Unique Struggles of Combat Sports Athletes
The world of combat sports is a pressure cooker like no other. Fighters endure relentless physical punishment, intense training regimens, and the mental toll of stepping into a cage where only one person leaves victorious. It’s no wonder, Rogan argues, that fighters are prone to addiction.
The adrenaline rush of competition, the euphoria of victory, and the lows of defeat can create a vicious cycle. For McGregor, whose career was built on extreme highs, the party lifestyle seems to have become a dangerous escape.
What McGregor Needs to Do to Reignite His Career
For McGregor to reclaim his former glory, Rogan believes he needs to rediscover his discipline and passion for fighting. It’s not just about returning to training; it’s about leaving behind the distractions and finding the fire that fueled his early rise.
Rehabilitation, both physically and mentally, will be key. McGregor must confront the partying and excess that have sidetracked his focus. Surrounding himself with a supportive team, avoiding enablers, and committing to a clean, purposeful lifestyle could reignite the competitive spirit that once made him unbeatable.
Joe Rogan's Take
Conor McGregor’s decline is a cautionary tale for athletes, especially in the unforgiving world of combat sports. While his wealth and fame are undeniable, Rogan’s insights shed light on the deeper struggles fighters face. If McGregor can channel his energy back into the octagon and leave behind the destructive lifestyle, "The Notorious" might yet have another chapter to write in his storied career.
Will McGregor rise again, or has his time at the top truly come to an end? As Rogan himself might say, only time will tell.
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