Conor McGregor, the former two-weight UFC champion, has been slapped with an 18-month ban after failing to appear for three drug tests last year. The dates he missed were June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024. Initially facing a two-year ban that would have seen him miss next summer’s UFC card at the White House, his suspension will now last until March 20, 2026.
A statement from the UFC explained: “Although McGregor failed to make himself available for testing on those dates, CSAD (Combat Sports Anti-Doping) noted that he was recovering from an injury and was not preparing for an upcoming fight at the time of the three missed tests. McGregor fully cooperated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that CSAD determined contributed to the missed tests.
“Despite these mitigating factors, CSAD emphasises that accurate whereabouts filings and the ability to conduct unannounced testing are essential to the success of the UFC ADP.
“Taking McGregor’s cooperation and circumstances into account, CSAD reduced the standard 24-month sanction for three whereabouts failures by six months.
“His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024 (the date of his third whereabouts failure) and will conclude on March 20, 2026.”
McGregor has been out of the ring since he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler last summer but withdrew from the bout at two weeks’ notice due to a broken toe.
The match could be rescheduled for next summer when Donald Trump hosts the promotion in his back garden to commemorate 250 years of American independence.
McGregor, who declared a hiatus from social media on Monday, is yet to react to the announcement of his ban.
However, he has maintained that he will be prepared to return to the ring for the first time in five years next summer.
“I have eight months and change out to the White House event, it’s a six-month operation,” said the Irishman last week.
“I consider it a six-month operation to get ready for this bout. That’s my focus right now. I’m just eager to climb the steps into being ready for my return. There’s a lot at stake and I’m very excited at the opportunity.”