List of Supplements Conor McGregor Takes

A comprehensive breakdown of the UFC champion's complete supplement stack, from his long-standing BSN partnership to his latest performance innovations

Conor McGregor's physical prowess in the octagon comes not just from elite training but from a disciplined, supplement-supported nutrition strategy. The Irish mixed martial artist has been clear about his approach: "I take my nutrition very, very seriously. You must align yourself with the best in each field." His 9+ year partnership with BSN and his own CBD recovery brand highlight how his choices blend performance optimization with business savvy. McGregor’s supplement stack targets protein synthesis, cellular energy, inflammation management, and hydration—principles that apply whether you’re preparing for a championship bout or simply supporting daily wellness—and his emphasis on clean, proven formulas mirrors modern energy and focus routines that prioritize quality over shortcuts.

Key Takeaways

• Partnership longevity matters – McGregor's relationship with BSN beginning in November 2015 demonstrates commitment to proven supplements rather than chasing trends

• Protein forms the foundation – His daily use of BSN Syntha-6 EDGE delivers 24g of protein through fast and slow-digesting sources for sustained amino acid delivery

• Recovery equals performance – CBD oil and topical sprays manage inflammation naturally, with McGregor co-founding TIDL Sport to bring plant-based recovery solutions to athletes

• Hydration stays natural – McGregor stated "I drink mostly water or coconut water" rather than relying on synthetic sports drinks

• Clean supplements only – Most products in his stack emphasizes minimal additives, aligning with his statement that "you can't cut corners" in nutrition

• Business meets performance – From BSN endorsements to owning TIDL Sport and partnering with Bucked Up in October 2024, McGregor monetizes his supplement knowledge

• Pre-workout intensity matters – N.O.-XPLODE's 275mg caffeine and performance compounds help him "start workouts strong and maintain power throughout"

The Protein Foundation

1. BSN Syntha-6 EDGE: The Lean Protein Matrix

BSN Syntha-6 EDGE stands as the cornerstone of McGregor's post-workout nutrition, delivering 24g of protein per serving through a blend of fast and slow-digesting sources.

Key benefits:

• Dual-release formula provides immediate amino acid delivery for recovery while sustaining protein synthesis for hours after training

• At 150 calories per serving with minimal carbs and fat, it supports lean muscle maintenance without excess calories

• Critical for fighters who must balance strength with weight class requirements

• Milkshake-like taste ensures consistency through palatability

McGregor signed with BSN in November 2015, making this one of his longest-standing supplement relationships. When athletes enjoy their protein source, they maintain daily routines that compound results over months and years. This matters especially during grueling fight camps when appetite may be suppressed.

The science behind blended protein sources supports bioavailability and sustained nutrient delivery. McGregor's emphasis on this product demonstrates his understanding that recovery begins immediately post-workout, when muscles are primed for nutrient absorption.

2. BSN AminoX: BCAA Recovery Formula

AminoX delivers branched-chain amino acids—leucine, isoleucine, and valine—specifically formulated to reduce muscle soreness after intense training sessions.

Performance advantages:

• These three amino acids benefit muscle growth especially during the recovery period, as noted by supplement experts analyzing MMA nutrition protocols

• Quick-absorbing formula prevents fatigue during consecutive tough training sessions

• Enables McGregor's notorious two-a-day training schedule without extended downtime

When muscles recover faster, training frequency increases without risking overtraining syndrome. This allows McGregor to practice striking, grappling, conditioning, and tactical work in the same day—volume that would break down most athletes without proper amino acid support.

Athletes prioritizing strength and performance understand that recovery supplements aren't luxuries but necessities for consistent progress. The key insight from McGregor's use: timing matters as much as dosage, with post-workout consumption maximizing the anabolic window when muscles are most receptive to nutrients.

Performance Enhancement

3. BSN N.O.-XPLODE: Pre-Workout Intensity

N.O.-XPLODE combines 275mg caffeine with creatine, beta-alanine, and nitric oxide precursors to boost training intensity.

Multi-pathway performance support:

• Energy through caffeine for mental clarity and physical output

• Power through creatine for explosive strength

• Endurance through beta-alanine for sustained work capacity

• Blood flow through nitric oxide boosters, delivering oxygen and nutrients to working muscles

McGregor uses it before workouts to sharpen focus and improve overall training output, particularly during high-stakes fight preparation when mental clarity matches physical demands. Part of his BSN endorsement since 2015, this pre-workout represents his approach to starting sessions strong and maintaining power throughout.

For combat athletes, sustained power output across rounds matters more than peak strength in isolated moments. The nitric oxide components support blood flow while removing metabolic waste products that cause fatigue.

4. Bucked Up "Notorious Buck" Energy Drink

McGregor's partnership with Bucked Up in October 2024 produced "Notorious Buck" energy drinks featuring his branding. These drinks contain around 300mg caffeine plus Dynamine and TeaCrine for time-released energy while aiming to minimize typical crash effects

Strategic business alignment:

• Available in Irish Apple and Orange flavors

• Launching nationwide in early 2025

• Bucked Up serves as the official energy drink of BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship), where McGregor holds an ownership stake

"This partnership isn't about playing it safe. It's about pushing limits, taking over, and leaving the competition gasping for air," McGregor stated. The time-released caffeine technology addresses athlete concerns about energy drinks causing mid-training crashes.

Athletes managing appetite and metabolism recognize that caffeine influences both energy expenditure and hunger signaling. McGregor's endorsement suggests he uses it strategically rather than as a daily staple.

Natural Wellness and Hydration

5. Coconut Water: Clean Electrolyte Source

McGregor's hydration philosophy centers on natural sources: "I drink mostly water or coconut water. It's important to stay hydrated," he explained.

Natural hydration benefits:

• Provides potassium, magnesium, and calcium without artificial ingredients

• Low sugar content compared to sports drinks matters for fighters managing body composition

• Natural electrolytes support muscle function and prevent cramping during intense training

• Consumed multiple times daily—upon waking and throughout training sessions

This preference for natural over synthetic hydration aligns with his broader "clean nutrition" philosophy that rejects cutting corners. The natural electrolytes support muscle function during training sessions that can last several hours daily.

Athletes focused on gut health and digestion understand that hydration quality affects nutrient absorption and overall wellness. McGregor's consistent use of this natural option demonstrates that elite performance doesn't require complicated supplement stacks—sometimes the simplest choices prove most sustainable long-term.

Recovery and Inflammation Management

6. CBD Oil: Plant-Based Recovery

CBD oil was permitted for athlete use under WADA rules when WADA approved it in 2018, opening opportunities for combat athletes to manage inflammation and recovery naturally.

Recovery mechanisms:

• Some research suggests CBD may help reduce inflammation in part by affecting cell signaling and cytokine production

• Provides natural pain relief without addictive properties found in conventional painkillers

• Improves sleep quality—critical during intense fight camps

• Maintains mental focus between training sessions

McGregor co-founded TIDL Sport, a CBD-focused athletic recovery brand, demonstrating his commitment beyond personal use to business investment. For MMA fighters who endure significant physical trauma, CBD offers recovery support that addresses both acute soreness and chronic inflammation. Sleep quality improvements prove equally valuable, as recovery happens primarily during deep sleep phases.

7. TIDL Sport CBD/Menthol Spray: Topical Relief

McGregor's own TIDL Sport brand produces a topical spray combining approximately 50mg CBD with menthol for immediate muscle relief. The product description calls it a "topical analgesic blended with CBD" to help soothe minor muscle aches and sore joints.

Targeted application benefits:

• Cooling menthol sensation provides immediate feedback

• CBD's anti-inflammatory properties work deeper within tissues

• Allows targeted relief to specific areas bearing the most training stress—knees, shoulders, neck

• No systemic effects from topical application

McGregor reportedly applies it after training sessions to keep muscles loose and ready for the next workout, demonstrating his commitment to proactive recovery rather than reactive pain management. Developed with The Anthos Group for plant-based athletic solutions, the spray represents McGregor's vision for natural recovery products designed by athletes for athletes.

Building Your Complete Wellness Foundation

McGregor's supplement choices reveal principles applicable beyond professional fighting: prioritize protein for recovery, manage inflammation naturally, maintain clean hydration, and use stimulants strategically rather than chronically. His long-standing commitment to BSN products demonstrates that consistency with quality supplements outweighs constantly chasing new trends.

The evolution from pure performance focus (protein, BCAAs, pre-workout) to holistic wellness (CBD, coconut water, topical relief) mirrors broader shifts in athletic nutrition. Modern athletes recognize that longevity requires addressing cellular health, inflammation management, and recovery quality—not just acute performance metrics.

XV1's Approach to Complete Wellness

While McGregor's stack addresses specific demands of professional fighting, the underlying philosophy aligns with XV1's mission: science-backed supplementation that supports daily wellness through foundational nutrients. Elite athletes like McGregor succeed not because they take dozens of supplements, but because they consistently cover nutritional fundamentals with proven, clean ingredients.

XV1 translates this principle into accessible daily solutions. Where McGregor uses multiple products to address protein, micronutrients, and cellular support, XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers comprehensive foundational nutrition in one daily scoop. This organic blend provides nutrient-dense greens, B-vitamins for energy metabolism, probiotics for gut health, and antioxidants for cellular protection—covering nutritional gaps without complicated protocols.

The science supporting McGregor's creatine use—increased strength, improved recovery, enhanced training capacity—applies equally to anyone seeking performance optimization. XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg creatine monohydrate per gummy in a convenient, great-tasting format. No mixing, no measuring, just consistent daily support for strength and performance backed by decades of research.

Joint health matters whether you're absorbing punches in the octagon or managing the accumulated stress of daily training. McGregor's use of topical CBD and other joint-support strategies reflects understanding that longevity requires proactive joint support. XV1 Liquid Collagen provides hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in fast-absorbing liquid form. One tablespoon daily supports joints, skin, hair, and nails—foundational wellness that compounds over years.

The inflammation support McGregor seeks through CBD oil represents one approach to supporting recovery and cellular health. XV1 Resveratrol and Glutathione address oxidative stress and cellular protection through different mechanisms. Resveratrol, derived from Japanese knotweed, supports cardiovascular health and longevity pathways. Liposomal glutathione—the body's master antioxidant—supports detoxification, immune function, and cellular repair with superior absorption technology.

Simplicity Drives Consistency

McGregor's emphasis on clean hydration through coconut water demonstrates that effective supplementation doesn't require complexity. XV1 applies this principle across its product line: clean ingredients, transparent labeling, science-backed formulations, and formats that fit into daily life without disruption.

Whether your goals involve competitive performance, fitness maintenance, or healthy aging, the fundamentals remain consistent:

• Adequate protein for tissue repair and muscle maintenance

• Micronutrient coverage through greens and whole-food nutrients

• Cellular energy support for sustained daily performance

• Joint and connective tissue health for long-term mobility

• Antioxidant protection against oxidative stress

• Gut health optimization for nutrient absorption and immune function

McGregor achieves these through multiple specialized products. XV1 consolidates foundational support into simplified daily routines—one scoop of greens, a creatine gummy with breakfast, liquid collagen in your morning coffee. This approach recognizes that supplement effectiveness depends on consistency over time, not complicated stacking protocols that become unsustainable.

Every XV1 product comes with a 90-Day Money Back Guarantee, reflecting confidence in science-backed formulations that deliver measurable results. Subscription options provide flexibility—edit, skip, or cancel anytime—removing barriers to maintaining consistent supplementation.

Athletes building personalized stacks should consider their specific demands: training frequency, recovery capacity, nutritional gaps, and long-term health goals. McGregor's choices work for his unique situation—two-a-day training, weight cutting requirements, maximum recovery needs between fights. Your optimal stack might emphasize different priorities while applying the same principle: align supplements with your specific goals using proven, clean ingredients backed by evidence rather than marketing hype.

The complete wellness approach means looking beyond acute performance to cellular health, inflammation management, and foundational nutrition that supports every bodily system. This comprehensive perspective—evident in McGregor's evolution from pure performance supplements to recovery-focused wellness products—represents the future of intelligent supplementation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What protein powder does Conor McGregor use?

McGregor uses BSN Syntha-6 EDGE, which delivers 24g of protein per serving through a blend of fast and slow-digesting sources. He's maintained this choice since signing with BSN in November 2015. The product's 150-calorie formula with minimal carbs and fat supports lean muscle maintenance while fitting his strict nutritional requirements.

Does Conor McGregor take creatine?

Yes, McGregor consumes creatine through his pre-workout supplement, BSN N.O.-XPLODE, which contains creatine alongside 275mg caffeine and other performance compounds. He uses it before workouts to boost explosive strength and power output during training sessions. Creatine provides research-backed benefits for strength, recovery, and muscle endurance.

What CBD brand does Conor McGregor use?

McGregor co-founded TIDL Sport, his own CBD brand focused on athletic recovery. The company produces both CBD oil for internal use and a topical spray blended with menthol. His ownership stake demonstrates commitment beyond simple endorsement—he actively uses these products as part of his recovery routine to manage inflammation and improve sleep quality.

How does Conor McGregor stay hydrated?

McGregor stated "I drink mostly water or coconut water" rather than relying on synthetic sports drinks. He consumes coconut water multiple times daily, particularly upon waking and around training sessions. The natural electrolytes—potassium, magnesium, and calcium—support muscle function and prevent cramping without artificial ingredients or excessive sugar.

What is Conor McGregor's newest supplement partnership?

McGregor's latest partnership with Bucked Up, announced in October 2024, launched "Notorious Buck" energy drinks in Irish Apple and Orange flavors. The products contain around 300mg caffeine with time-released energy technology through Dynamine and TeaCrine. The partnership extends to supplements and apparel, with products entering nationwide retailers in early 2025.