MMA fans who were holding their breath for a potential Conor McGregor return to the cage will have to wait a little longer.
On Tuesday, McGregor accepted an 18-month suspension for a violation of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, as announced by Combat Sports Anti-Doping in a statement.
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According to ESPN MMA, “McGregor missed three attempted biological sample collections within a 12-month period in 2024, which constitutes a violation of the UFC ADP. His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024, and will conclude on March 20, 2026.”
March 8, 2024; Austin TX; Conor McGregor speaks to press on the red carpet before the premiere of Roadhouse at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on the first day of South by Southwest, Friday, March 8, 2024. McGregor plays the character “Knox” in the movie.. Mandatory Credit: Sara Diggins-USA TODAY NETWORK
McGregor, who has lost three of his last four bouts, has not competed in the UFC in over four years.
The former two-division champ last competed at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021, suffering a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier after suffering a gruesome leg injury. It was McGregor’s second straight loss to Poirier.
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As for when McGregor will return to the cage, if he does, there is no word.
McGregor has expressed interest in competing at next summer’s White House event, but the timeline for his suspension will put that bout in jeopardy.
Jun 9, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; MMA fighter Conor McGregor during halftime in game four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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