Conor McGregor banned for 18 months after missing | Boxing News

Conor McGregor, the previous two-weight UFC champion, has been slapped with an 18-month ban after failing to seem for three drug checks last 12 months. The dates he missed had been June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024. Initially going through a two-year ban that would have seen him miss next summer season’s UFC card at the White House, his suspension will now last until March 20, 2026.

A press release from the UFC explained: “Although McGregor failed to make himself available for testing on those dates, CSAD (Combat Sports Anti-Doping) noted that he was recovering from an injury and was not preparing for an upcoming fight at the time of the three missed tests. McGregor fully cooperated with CSAD’s investigation, accepted responsibility, and provided detailed information that CSAD determined contributed to the missed tests.

“Despite these mitigating elements, CSAD emphasises that correct whereabouts filings and the power to conduct unannounced testing are important to the success of the UFC ADP.

“Taking McGregor’s cooperation and circumstances into account, CSAD reduced the standard 24-month sanction for three whereabouts failures by six months.

“His period of ineligibility started on September 20, 2024 (the date of his third whereabouts failure) and will conclude on March 20, 2026.”

McGregor has been out of the ring since he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. He was scheduled to face Michael Chandler last summer but withdrew from the bout at two weeks’ notice due to a broken toe.

The match could be rescheduled for next summer when Donald Trump hosts the promotion in his back garden to commemorate 250 years of American independence.

McGregor, who declared a hiatus from social media on Monday, is yet to react to the announcement of his ban.

However, he has maintained that he will be prepared to return to the ring for the first time in five years next summer.

“I’ve eight months and change out to the White House event, it is a six-month operation,” said the Irishman last week.

“I think about it a six-month operation to prepare for this bout. That’s my focus proper now. I’m just keen to climb the steps into being prepared for my return. There’s a lot at stake and I’m very excited at the chance.”