Conor McGregor Accepts 18-Month UFC Anti-Doping Sanction, Ends in March 2026

UFC star Conor McGregor took another step toward his potential return to the Octagon.

The UFC announced on Tuesday that McGregor accepted an 18-month period of ineligibility for a violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy. The sanction began on September 20, 2024, and will conclude on March 20, 2026, paving the way for him to potentially fight again next year.

The announcement stated that McGregor "missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC ADP." UFC fighters are subjected to random biological sample collections without prior warning, so accurate whereabouts information is required at all times. McGregor's missed tests on June 13, Sept. 19, and Sept. 20, 2024 were classified as "Whereabouts Failures" by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).

CSAD noted that McGregor was recovering from an injury and not preparing for a fight at the time of his missed tests. The 37-year-old "fully cooperated with CSAD's investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that CSAD determined contributed to the missed tests." Thanks to his cooperation and the additional circumstances, the standard 24-month sanction was reduced to 18 months.

McGregor hasn't fought since suffering a broken ankle in his second straight loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler in June 2024, but he withdrew from the fight after suffering a broken toe in training.

Despite the lengthy layoff, the former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion has made it clear that he hopes to be included on the announced UFC fight card that will take place at the White House in June 2026. He even declared that he and Chandler would finally settle their differences at the event. His ban will end right in time for him to fulfill his goal of returning to the Octagon at the White House.