The mixed martial arts fighter missed three doping tests in 2024. The ban runs until March 2026, further delaying his return.
Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor has been banned for 18 months for violating anti-doping reporting requirements. The former UFC champion missed three test appointments last year without correctly reporting his whereabouts. The ban began retroactively on September 20, 2024, and ends on March 20, 2026. The UFC star had recently speculated about a comeback at a gala announced by Donald Trump on June 14, 2026. According to the UFC’s anti-doping program (CSAD), McGregor cooperated fully and presented medical reasons. The originally planned two-year ban was therefore reduced by six months.
McGregor is one of the biggest stars in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in mixed martial arts, where he held several titles. In recent years, however, he has been unable to build on his past successes. He lost three of his last four fights, with his most recent fight taking place in 2021.
Most recently, the 37-year-old has also been in the headlines outside of sports. In Ireland, he lost an appeal in a civil lawsuit over rape allegations and must pay the plaintiff approximately €248,000. The Irishman denies the allegations.
