UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been issued an 18-month suspension for breaching the UFC’s anti-doping regulations after missing three scheduled drug tests in 2024, according to a statement released by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) on Tuesday.
According to CSAD, McGregor failed to appear for three scheduled biological sample collections within a 12-month period — on 13 June, 19 September, and 20 September 2024. Under UFC regulations, athletes are required to maintain accurate whereabouts information at all times to allow for unannounced testing.
The suspension has been made retroactive to 20 September 2024, the date of his final missed test, and will remain in effect until 20 March 2026. The agency noted that McGregor was recovering from injury and not preparing for competition during the missed tests, and that he cooperated fully with the investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided documentation clarifying the circumstances.
Taking these mitigating factors into account, CSAD reduced the usual 24-month penalty for three whereabouts failures by six months. However, the body emphasised that the integrity of the anti-doping system relies on accurate filings and the ability to conduct unannounced testing.
CSAD oversees the UFC’s year-round testing programme independently, with sample collections carried out by Drug Free Sport International and analysed at the WADA-accredited Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory in Salt Lake City.
McGregor, 37, rejoined the UFC testing pool in 2025 and has since submitted four samples. The former two-division champion has not competed since July 2021, after a leg injury cut short his bout. His scheduled UFC 303 fight against Michael Chandler in 2024 was cancelled due to that injury.
With his suspension ending in March 2026, McGregor could return to the octagon later that year, pending medical clearance and an approved bout. His comeback could coincide with the UFC card at the White House, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump for 14 June 2026.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes...
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran...
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extr...
As diplomacy helps ease tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran are seeking to turn that momentum into closer security cooperation along one of...
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence sp...
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence spending and future ambitions underline its position as the world's largest military alliance.
China has urged the United States to end its decades-long sanctions and embargo on Cuba after Washington imposed new restrictive measures on entities and an individual linked to the Cuban government.
India and the U.S. are close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday after the latest round of negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Brazil and Mexico secured statement wins at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Vinícius Jr starred in Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland, while Mexico beat Czechia to finish top of Group A. South Africa also made history by reaching the knockouts for the first time.
The United Kingdom recorded a provisional high of 36.4°C on Thursday, according to the Met Office, making it the hottest June day on record. The extreme heat is part of a wider heatwave affecting much of Western Europe, with temperatures remaining well above seasonal averages.
At least 188 people have been killed and 1,520 injured after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said. The quakes caused widespread destruction around Caracas, collapsing buildings and trapping residents, with fears the toll could rise significantly.
NATO has grown from 12 founding members in 1949 to a 32-country alliance spanning Europe and North America. Its combined military strength, defence spending and future ambitions underline its position as the world's largest military alliance.
China has urged the United States to end its decades-long sanctions and embargo on Cuba after Washington imposed new restrictive measures on entities and an individual linked to the Cuban government.
India and the U.S. are close to finalising a long-awaited trade agreement, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday after the latest round of negotiations with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment