UFC superstar Conor McGregor has been handed an 18-month suspension by the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) authority after missing three scheduled drug tests in 2024, a violation classified as “whereabouts failures” under the UFC’s anti-doping policy.
According to officials, the missed tests occurred on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024, with the violations confirmed after a detailed review by CSAD investigators. McGregor cooperated fully with the inquiry and accepted responsibility for his actions, which led to the reduction of his initial 24-month suspension to 18 months.
The suspension is retroactive to September 20, 2024, meaning the former lightweight champion will be eligible to return to competition on March 20, 2026.
CSAD noted that while McGregor’s failure to meet testing requirements constituted a breach of anti-doping rules, his subsequent compliance and cooperation demonstrated “good faith” during the review process. The agency also confirmed that McGregor has submitted multiple samples in 2025, all of which tested negative.
The ban sidelines McGregor from participating in major UFC events, including the much-anticipated card scheduled for June 2026, which had been rumored to feature his comeback fight. UFC executives have clarified that no future bout agreements will be considered until McGregor’s suspension expires.
The Irish fighter, who has not competed since suffering a leg break during his 2021 trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, has remained active in training and continues to express his desire to return to the Octagon.
