UFC Releases Statement Regarding Conor McGregor Allegedly Using PEDs During Injury Recovery

On June 11, a report from the New York Times was published alleging that Conor McGregor took banned substances while he was sidelined, citing the fact that he took himself out of the USADA testing pool.

McGregor suffered a broken tibia in July 2021 in a fight against Dustin Poirier, and hasn’t fought since, though he is scheduled to return to the Octagon in July.

UFC and USADA ended its relationship at the end of 2024.

The UFC posted the following statement on the matter:

In 2021, Conor McGregor sustained a potentially career-ending injury and sought medical guidance from leading orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who advised the appropriate recovery and rehabilitation protocol. As a result, McGregor did not compete for five years and maintained proper communication with our team throughout, remaining in full compliance with the rules of our comprehensive drug program.

McGregor has been tested 19 times over the past two years, including 12 times in 2026, making him the most tested athlete during this time.

Any suggestion that UFC’s decision to end its partnership with USADA was related to Conor McGregor is categorically false. Internal communications and documentation clearly show that discussions regarding a transition away from USADA began months before any conversations involving McGregor.

This narrative is a continued attempt by USADA leadership to misrepresent the facts surrounding UFC’s unilateral decision to terminate our agreement with them and instead choose to partner with a far more competent, organized, and sophisticated testing group comprised of Drug Free Sport, Combat Sports Anti-Doping, and SMRTL labratories.

The health and safety of our athletes remain our highest priority. We fully support Conor McGregor and look forward to his return to the Octagon this summer.

Fans can find McGregor’s comments on the matter here.