Conor McGregor Officially Free to Make UFC Return After Serving Drugs Ban
The former two-division UFC champion is now eligible to step back into the octagon, having completed an 18-month suspension for missing multiple drug tests. McGregor, known as 'The Notorious', is aiming to resume his fighting career later this year, despite being overlooked for a spot on the high-profile White House card in June.
Details of the Suspension and Missed Tests
In October, McGregor received the hefty ban after failing to make himself available for drug testing on three separate occasions in 2024. The missed tests occurred on June 13, just before he withdrew from a scheduled bout with Michael Chandler, and on September 19 and 20. Initially facing a potential two-year suspension, the 37-year-old fighter's penalty was reduced, with the ban set to expire on March 20.
With the suspension now served, McGregor can focus on his comeback. His last fight was in July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier, marking a prolonged absence from competition.
Snub from the White House Card and Future Plans
McGregor had hoped to feature on the White House card in June, but UFC president Dana White opted not to include him. Instead, the event will be headlined by a lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. According to reports, McGregor's representatives have held positive discussions with UFC officials about his next fight, though no opponent has been confirmed yet.
Following the cancellation of his planned fight with Chandler, McGregor has repeatedly urged the UFC to reschedule the matchup, but nothing has materialised. Chandler is now set to face Mauricio Ruffy on June 14 at the White House, leaving McGregor without an opponent. Fans have called for a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz, but Diaz has signed with Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions and will fight Mike Perry in May.
McGregor's Comments on His Return
In a recent interview with Smash Cast, McGregor expressed his eagerness to return, suggesting a potential fight during International Fight Week, a month after the White House card. He acknowledged the UFC's decision to bypass him for the White House event, stating, "I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House. It would have been McGregor versus Chandler."
He added, "It gets me back in there, but they feared off it. I'm not going to be too picky. I have to get back. I've been out and love myself. So I'm sorry Chandler, it is what it is." McGregor emphasised his readiness to fight, having prepared for Chandler over the past two years, but remains flexible about his comeback plans.
