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The UFC announced that Conor McGregor has accepted a long period of non-right to violate the company’s anti-doping policy.
McGregor accepted a suspension of 18 months after a lack of three attempts at “biological test collections within a 12-month period in 2024”, which is a violation of anti-doping policy.
“UFC athletes are obliged to provide accurate residence information at all times so that they can be contacted and submit to biological sample collections without prior warning,” UFC said. “McGregor’s unanswered test took place on June 13, September 19 and September 20, 2024, and were each classified as ‘residences’ by CSAD (Combat Sports Anti-Doping) under UFC ADP.”
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Conor McGregor leaves Blanchardstown Court, Dublin, where he is charged with dangerous driving compared to an incident in West Dublin in March 2022. (Brian Lawless/PA images via Getty Images)
McGregor was originally set to be suspended for 24 months, although cooperation with the company led to a reduced suspension, according to the press release.
“Although McGregor did not make himself available for testing these dates, CSAD noted that he was recovering from an injury and did not prepare for an upcoming match at the time of the three unanswered tests. McGregor fully collaborated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibilities and provided detailed information that CSAD determined, contributed to the unanswered tests.
Dana White promises ‘Biggest Fight Card Ever Overall’ to potentially UFC event in the White House in 2026
“Despite these mitigating factors, CSAD emphasizes that the exact residence’s archives and the ability to conduct unannounced tests is important for the success of UFC ADP. McGregor’s cooperation and circumstances take into account, CSAD reduced the standard 24-month sanction for three residence by six months.”
McGregor’s suspension is retroactive to the date of his last unanswered test, which means he is entitled to return to competition in March 2026 – three months before the potential match card he has publicly said he wants to fight.
Conor McGregor from Ireland is preparing to fight Dustin Poirier during the UFC 264 event in the T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Chris kids/zuffa llc)
President Donald Trump announced that the White House card, where the UFC will host an event at the great landmark’s famous lawn, will take place in June 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
While McGregor said it was a “finished deal”, he would return to Octagon for the highly expected event UFC CEO Dana White shot down after the UFC 320 this last Saturday.
“I made it clear that Conor wants to fight on that card, and you can clearly see that Conor is very fired up to fight on this card,” said White pr. Yahoo Sports. “But nothing is done yet and no matches are being negotiated with the White House.”
White promised it would be “the biggest match card ever gathered” for the White House.
UFC star Conor McGregor was suspended 18 months by the company for violating its anti-doping rules. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
McGregor has not fought since July 2021 when he lost against Dustin Poirier in the third chapter of their rivalry. He was previously scheduled to meet Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but he broke his Pinky Toe on June 13 of that year, which is the first failed test date in the UFC release.
