Alcoholic drinks have made UFC fighters get into a lot of controversies. Tony Ferguson and Israel Adesanya had DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charges against them. Jon Jones and alcoholism led to controversies in the past. Meanwhile, in a positive light, fighters like Conor McGregor, Jorge Masvidal, and Aljamain Sterling have their own alcohol brands.
Though alcohol is not good for MMA fighters, Aljamain Sterling disagrees. MMA fans have seen Conor McGregor now more invested in alcohol than in his return to the UFC. As such, there is a negative stigma around alcohol and UFC fighters. Nevertheless, Sterling revealed a whole new side to alcohol consumption. It turns out that he consumes drinks even during a training camp.
If I have a great sparring day, I will treat myself in the middle of the camp. I’m gonna have 1 to 3 drinks, I’m gonna knock out early and I wake up and I feel like I’m ready to go again.
Aljamain Sterling via Mighty Cast
Aljo stated that these moments serve as a reward for his hard work. He argued that the mental aspect of training is just as important as the physical one. For him, allowing himself some indulgences helps reduce stress and keeps him mentally sharp. Sterling stated that he doesn’t let drinking interfere with his training schedule or performance.
🥃🤪Aljamain Sterling admits that he allows himself an occasional drink during fight camp.
“If I have a great sparring day, I will treat myself in the middle of the camp. I’m gonna have 1 to 3 drinks, I’m gonna knock out early and I wake up and I feel like I’m ready to go… pic.twitter.com/mXwPD6ZDSw
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 25, 2024
The former bantamweight champion has recently entered the Rum business. This has been a work in progress for a long time. At one point, he admitted wanting to ask McGregor for advice. In the second half of 2024, he released a Jamaican Rum brand named ‘Funk Harbor.’
The success of Proper Twelve Irish Whiskey by Conor McGregor has resulted in more fighters entering the alcohol industry. It is up to the fighters to control and moderate their involvement and consumption. So far, Sterling has blended training and pleasure very well. However, one fighter was not so lucky.
Unlike Aljamain Sterling, Alexander Volkanovski struggled with alcoholism
Former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski had the torrid task of defeating Islam Makhachev at UFC 294. He took the fight on really short notice and didn’t have much time to train. No one on the planet takes on Makhachev without at least two months to prepare. The lack of preparation hurt Volkanovski, who suffered a vicious knockout loss at UFC 294.
Alexander Volkanovski reveals drinking daily prior to title rematch vs. Islam Makhachev (via Imago/Instagram)An unseen footage backstage captured an emotional Volkanovski admitting to drinking. Moreover, at the post-fight presser, he admitted having mental health struggles. For such an honest admission, he received support from many, including Tyson Fury. Soon after, he addressed the alcohol problem on Israel Adesanya’s YouTube channel.
I wasn’t disciplined. I was more upset with who I was in the previous months leading up to that. I was drinking every day for like three or four weeks. Honestly, that’s unheard of for me. Like every day. I’ve never, ever done that. But I was like, I’ll have a couple of drinks here, they’ll go down good.
Alexander Volkanovski via FREESTYLEBENDER YT Channel
He also revealed that before he got the call for the fight, he weighed in at 83 kg (182 pounds). After the fight, Volkanovski reflected on his journey and the importance of discipline in his training. Right now, Volkanovski is on a hiatus after losing his featherweight title at UFC 298. He aims to heal up and get back in the octagon next year. Only time will tell if he can become a champion again.
