The Combat Sports Anti-Doping Commission (CSAD) announced on 7/10 that the Irish fighter failed to provide biological samples on 13/6/2024, 19/9/2024, and 20/9/2024. This violated the "whereabouts reporting" rule in UFC's anti-doping system, which requires athletes to update their location for unannounced tests. The commission reduced the penalty from 24 months to 18 months, effective 20/9/2024, the date McGregor missed his third test. He will be eligible to compete again from 20/3/2026.

Conor McGregor in Dublin, Ireland on 19/11/2024. Photo: Reuters

McGregor cooperated fully during the investigation, accepting responsibility and explaining his absences. The 37-year-old fighter stated he was recovering from an injury at the time and had not yet begun a training cycle. However, CSAD emphasized that "adherence to whereabouts rules and the ability for unannounced testing are essential to ensure the integrity of the anti-doping system."

This ban adds another setback for the two-time UFC champion. McGregor has not competed since breaking his leg in a match against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. After three years away, he had planned a comeback at the UFC 303 event in 2024 against Michael Chandler, but the fight was canceled due to his ongoing recovery.

Before his suspension, McGregor rejoined the UFC's doping control program in early 2025, submitting four valid samples. His acceptance of the ban, without appeal, aims to shorten his waiting period for a potential comeback at a special event. UFC President Dana White confirmed no agreement for a proposed event at the White House on 14/6/2026, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's birthday. However, McGregor has often expressed his desire to participate in this fight night, viewing it as a spectacular return to UFC history.

Industry experts believe this ban makes McGregor's return to the octagon more challenging. "He was an icon of the UFC, but now faces the longest break of his career," Marca newspaper observed.

Born in 1988 in Dublin, Ireland, McGregor is one of the highest-earning fighters in UFC history. He is known for his fiery fighting style and audacious personality. From 2015 to 2020, he was a top draw, helping UFC break revenue records with matches against Jose Aldo, Nate Diaz, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Hoang An (according to AFP)