UFC star and former two-division champion Conor McGregor is facing an 18-month suspension after failing the UFC’s anti-doping program testing.
The fighter recently announced his desire to return to the Octagon after a year-long hiatus, surprising many fans.
Following his announcement, the Irishman re-entered the testing pool in hopes of being selected for the upcoming UFC White House card. Unfortunately, it appears Conor McGregor’s comeback won’t be happening soon, as he reportedly failed multiple tests and refused to provide biological samples on three separate occasions within a 12-month period.
McGregor’s refusal to provide samples was ruled a violation by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD). In a statement, CSAD confirmed that McGregor’s recovery from injury at the time of the missed tests was taken into account. The organization also noted that the Dublin native cooperated with the investigation and accepted full responsibility for his actions.
“McGregor missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC anti-doping policy,” CSAD officials said in a press release. “UFC athletes are required to provide accurate whereabouts information at all times so they can be contacted and submit to biological sample collections without prior warning.
McGregor’s missed tests occurred on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024, and were each classified as Whereabouts Failures by CSAD under the UFC ADP.”
While each missed test counted against him, officials noted that Conor McGregor was recovering from an injury rather than training for an upcoming fight when the samples were supposed to be collected.
“McGregor fully cooperated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that contributed to the missed tests,” the statement continued.
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 missed test and will end on March 20, 2026.
CSAD also clarified that Conor McGregor’s suspension will not affect his potential return to the Octagon once the ban concludes.
McGregor has been out of action since suffering a broken leg during his fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. Since then, he has stayed away from the cage but remained in the spotlight due to multiple legal controversies, including sexual assault allegations. The BKFC co-owner had previously announced plans to face Michael Chandler earlier in 2025, but “The Notorious” later revealed he sustained an injury during training, forcing him to withdraw.
Despite his inactive status, Conor McGregor remains eager to make his return at President Donald Trump’s UFC White House card. For now, he continues to undergo testing and has already provided four samples as part of the ongoing process.
