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Conor McGregor officially cleared for UFC return after completing 18-month ban for missed drug tests

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 11:05 AM ET

One of the hurdles in front of Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback has been eliminated.

The former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion has not competed since the summer of 2021, when McGregor broke his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

After a failed comeback against Michael Chandler in 2024, talk of McGregor returning to action picked up again last year.

But fans knew that any potential comeback would have to wait until deep into 2026 after the Irishman was suspended.

Conor McGregor completes his 18-month suspension for UFC anti-doping violations

McGregor violated the UFC’s anti-doping policy, resulting in an 18-month ban from competition.

‘The Notorious’ had multiple whereabouts violations in 2024. A statement on UFC.com revealed that the promotion’s first simultaneous two-division champ missed three attempted biological sample collections on June 13, September 19, and September 20.

One day before the first violation, McGregor’s scheduled UFC 303 fight against Michael Chandler was canceled due to the Irish star’s toe injury.

After McGregor took accountability for the indiscretions, he was handed an 18-month suspension retroactive to the date of his third violation.

With that, McGregor became eligible to compete in the UFC again on Friday, March 20, 2026.

Conor McGregor holding his two UFC belts while wearing a white vest and flat cap. Credit: Isaac Brekken/Getty Images

What is the status of Conor McGregor’s UFC return after not getting a White House fight?

Much of McGregor’s comeback talk has centered around a desired fight on the White House lawn this June. That, however, will not be happening.

The full UFC White House card was unveiled earlier this month, and both McGregor and Jon Jones had their calls to return dismissed.

‘The Notorious’ revealed that he would be snubbed hours before the announcement, claiming the promotion is saving him for an arena event in order to extract the biggest financial gain from his long-awaited return.

With that in mind, speculation has turned to International Fight Week a few weeks after the celebratory event in Washington D.C.

After McGregor had a positive meeting with the UFC, many are expecting the Irishman’s comeback to be confirmed for the major Las Vegas card.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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