Conor McGregor has been officially cleared to make a return to the UFC after serving an 18-month drug ban. The former two-division champion was suspended in October 2024 after missing three drug tests. He initially faced a two-year ban but was instead suspended until 20 March.
McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. He had hoped to fight Michael Chandler at a White House card in June but was passed over by UFC president Dana White. That event will now be headlined by a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.
According to The Sun, McGregor's representatives recently held positive talks with UFC officials about his next fight. Chandler is now set to face Mauricio Ruffy on the White House card on 14 June. McGregor has said he expects his return to take place during International Fight Week in July, a month after the event.
A trilogy fight with Nate Diaz was mooted by fans, but Diaz instead signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions to fight Mike Perry in May. McGregor expressed disappointment at being overlooked for the White House card but said he is eager to return and not be too picky about his next opponent.
