Conor McGregor accepts 18-Month suspension for UFC anti-doping violation

Conor McGregor accepts 18-month UFC suspension for missed drug tests in 2024 but can still headline 2026 comeback

Conor McGregor has accepted an 18-month suspension for violating the UFC’s Anti-Doping Policy, following three missed drug test attempts in 2024. The sanction, confirmed in a statement by the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) program and released by the UFC, renders the Irish fighter ineligible to compete until March 20, 2026.

According to CSAD, McGregor failed to be available for mandatory biological sample collections on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024. Under UFC’s Anti-Doping Policy, missing three tests within a 12-month period constitutes a violation. While McGregor was recovering from injury and not actively preparing for a bout at the time, CSAD still considered the incidents "Whereabouts Failures."

 

 

 

 

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Despite the infractions, McGregor’s penalty was reduced from the standard 24 months to 18 months due to mitigating circumstances. CSAD noted the 37-year-old fighter’s full cooperation, his acceptance of responsibility, and the detailed information he provided during the investigation. The retroactive ban starts from the date of his final failed test—September 20, 2024—allowing him to return to competition just ahead of the UFC’s planned White House event in June 2026.

UFC President Dana White previously confirmed that McGregor is the preferred headliner for the landmark event, which will now be held on June 14, 2026, previously slated for celebration of the United States' 250th Independence Day. McGregor himself declared his excitement during a Fox & Friends interview, revealing his expected opponent to be Michael Chandler and confirming his participation: “The Mac is excited to get back for sure. I’m on [the White House card]. This is me.”

McGregor has not fought since his July 2021 loss at UFC 264, where he suffered a leg break in the first round against Dustin Poirier. A 2024 return was planned for UFC 303, but a toe injury derailed his fight against Chandler.

With the suspension now officially in place and the eligibility date confirmed, McGregor’s long-anticipated comeback remains on track—just in time to potentially headline one of the most historic events in UFC history.