🥋 Why Do UFC Fighters Choose Abstinence? And Bonobos and Chimpanzees
Does abstinence make your body feel lighter?
“Why do UFC fighters avoid sex before a match?”
“Does it really work?”
“Isn’t it just a rumor?”
Honestly, I thought so at first too.
But after realizing it’s a pretty serious strategy…
my perspective completely changed.
In fact, many UFC fighters maintain an abstinence routine for days or even weeks before a fight.
In extreme cases, some abstain throughout their training camp.
And they say:
“My mind clears, and my body feels unusually light.”
It wasn’t just a feeling.
It truly felt like my CNS, my central nervous system itself, was awakened.
My body became sensitive, and my concentration skyrocketed.
My abs, fingertips, knees… everything reacted differently.
💡 The True Thoughts of Abstinent Fighters
- Khabib Nurmagomedov: “A disciplined life is strength.”
- Georges St-Pierre: “Abstinence is fundamental to improving performance.”
- Many undefeated legendary fighters: “My body feels different. My mind is clear.”
At this point, it’s hard to call it just a coincidence, isn’t it?
This isn’t a rumor; it’s a survival strategy born from experience.
3 Changes Abstinence Brings to the Body
1. CNS Concentration Surge
→ It feels like my brain, muscles, and emotions are all connected as one.
The CNS, or Central Nervous System, is a key system for the overall reaction speed and control of the body.
2. Faster Recovery and Deeper Sleep
→ I can endure high-intensity training better, and my sleep quality improves.
3. Dopamine Circuit Reset
→ As the dopamine circuit is rewired,
unnecessary emotional reactions decrease, and intuition increases.
Abstinence also significantly boosts the effects of affirmations and meditation 🙂
🐵 Chimpanzees vs. Bonobos, and UFC Fighters?
Here’s an interesting fact for you.
Chimpanzees and bonobos share over 98% of their DNA with humans.
However, their behaviors are truly different.
- Chimpanzees:
Hierarchy-driven, abstinent, strong concentration.
Only the alpha mates, while the others quietly cooperate.
They tend to collectively confront enemies. - Bonobos:
Pacifists, resolve conflicts with sex (!)
However, they are weak in fights and vulnerable to external threats.
Stronger females usually respond, and they tend to flee when enemies approach.
In other words, since ancient times, how sexual energy is used has been a survival strategy.
UFC Fighters’ Discipline is a Strategy
This continues in modern combat sports.
Behind their ruthless performance lies thorough self-management.
- Abstinence
- Media Detox
- Meditation
- Affirmation Routine
(+ I’m also trying breath-holding exercises here, haha)
It’s said that almost no fighters combine all of these.
It’s an intense routine, but it also guarantees significant strengthening.
“Those who can control themselves can also control their emotions in a real fight.”
✍️ In Closing: Abstinence is a Fighter’s Special Secret
Abstinence is not a grand resolution,
but a secret routine to cherish and protect yourself.
If you want to become a strong and warm presence,
you must be able to manage yourself well.
Comparing yourself to others, envy, jealousy, and criticism
are behaviors that arise from not recognizing your emotions.
What routines do you follow? 😉
🔽 Try the abstinence challenge starting today 😀
