Conor McGregor has accepted an 18-month suspension for violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy, the organisation confirmed.
According to the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) agency, the 37-year-old Irish fighter missed three biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, on June 13, September 19, and September 20.
Under UFC rules, athletes must always provide accurate whereabouts information so that random drug tests can be conducted without notice.
McGregor, who has not fought professionally since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, had his suspension reduced from 24 months to 18 months after cooperating with CSAD’s investigation.
The agency said McGregor “accepted responsibility and provided detailed information” that explained the missed tests. His ban began on September 20, 2024, and will end on March 20, 2026 — four months before his 39th birthday.
Recently, McGregor claimed he had signed to fight on the UFC White House card scheduled for June 14, 2026, coinciding with U.S. President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. However, UFC president Dana White denied that any deal had been finalized.
“Conor wants to fight on that card and he’s clearly excited, but nothing has been confirmed or negotiated,” White said.
On Monday, McGregor announced he was taking a break from social media.
Outside the octagon, McGregor was ordered in November 2024 to pay £206,000 in damages plus costs to Nikita Hand, who accused him of raping her in 2018. Hand later filed a civil lawsuit alleging malicious abuse of court processes.
McGregor, who recently withdrew his interest in running for the Irish presidency, will be eligible to compete again from March 2026.
