Post by : Rameen Ariff

Irish MMA star Conor McGregor has been handed an 18-month suspension after violating the UFC’s anti-doping policy, according to Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD). The decision comes after McGregor failed to provide samples for three attempted tests in 2024.

CSAD confirmed that the missed tests took place on June 13, September 19, and September 20, all of which were recorded as whereabouts failures. Under UFC rules, fighters must always share accurate location details so they can be contacted and tested without notice.

The suspension has been made retroactive from September 20, 2024, the date of his third missed test, and will continue until March 20, 2026. Normally, missing three tests results in a 24-month ban, but McGregor’s penalty was reduced by six months because he was recovering from an injury during that period, cooperated with investigators, and accepted responsibility.

CSAD stressed that despite these circumstances, accurate whereabouts information is key for maintaining a fair and clean sport. The anti-doping program is run independently, with tests collected by Drug Free Sport International and analyzed at a WADA-accredited lab in Salt Lake City.

McGregor, 37, has not fought since July 2021 but re-entered the UFC testing pool in 2025 and has already submitted four samples this year. His highly anticipated fight against Michael Chandler in 2024 was canceled after he withdrew due to injury.

With his suspension ending on March 20, 2026, McGregor could return to the octagon in spring 2026, provided he receives medical clearance and signs a new fight agreement. His comeback may align with the special UFC event announced by Donald Trump, set to take place at the White House on June 14, 2026.

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