Conor McGregor Just Got a Massive Suspension and It Might Be the End of His Career
It’s been a while since Conor McGregor made headlines for actually fighting, but leave it to him to find another way to dominate the news cycle. This time, it centers on something far less flattering: an 18-month suspension that has fans wondering if this might be the point where “The Notorious” finally runs out of luck. The story fits his pattern of controversy and spectacle.
The Missed Tests
Image via Getty Images/Liudmila Chernetska
McGregor’s suspension came after he missed three anti-doping tests on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024. Under the UFC’s Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) program, three missed tests within a 12-month period constitute a violation that typically carries a 24-month suspension. CSAD reduced the sanction to 18 months after McGregor cooperated with investigators and provided evidence that he was injured and not preparing for a fight at the time.
His suspension began retroactively in September 2024 and made him eligible to fight again in March 2026. The timing aligns almost perfectly with the UFC’s massive White House event that summer.
The White House Card That Has Everyone Talking
If plans stay on track, the UFC will host a fight card on the White House South Lawn on June 14, 2026. The event will coincide with Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and celebrate the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary. UFC CEO Dana White, one of Trump’s longtime allies, reportedly approved a $700,000 restoration budget for the lawn once the fights are over. The weigh-ins and press conferences are scheduled near the Lincoln Memorial, one of the most unusual venues in combat sports history.
McGregor has made it clear he wants to headline. In recent interviews, he claimed he was negotiating directly with the United States government “on behalf of Ireland.” Reports suggest he’s asking for $100 million and 100 U.S. “Golden Visas” for his family and close friends. Only McGregor could turn a suspension into a bargaining chip for one of the biggest events in UFC history.
Dana White hasn’t confirmed any matchups but acknowledged that McGregor still draws attention like no one else. He called him “one of the most dependable stars” and said McGregor’s motivation for the White House fight is genuine.
The Long Shadow Of A Fading Star
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office
McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, when Dustin Poirier broke his leg in their trilogy match. Since then, he’s shifted his focus to business by promoting Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, appearing on The Ultimate Fighter, and running multiple ventures. Legal problems have followed him, too, including a 2018 assault case that is still present in public memory.
The recent suspension fits neatly into his unpredictable run. It wasn’t caused by a failed test but by repeatedly missing testing appointments. His larger-than-life personality finally ran into one of the sport’s simplest requirements: showing up. The outcome feels oddly convenient since the ban ends just in time for his potential White House fight.
Even at 37, an age when most fighters begin to slow down, McGregor insists he’s ready to compete again. However, public opinion is divided. Some still view him as a superstar who can pack an arena, while many see him as a celebrity hanging on to his former glory. The UFC’s decision to announce his suspension nearly a year after the missed tests adds to the perception that the rules bend differently when his name is involved.
Fame, Favors, And The Final Round
No matter how far he drifts from the Octagon, every headline keeps McGregor in the spotlight. An 18-month layoff at his age is a serious challenge, particularly in a sport that moves fast and favors the fresh and hungry.
By the time March 2026 arrives, the UFC will look different. New stars will have emerged, and the promotion will have shifted its focus toward younger contenders. McGregor could still pull off a dramatic return, or the White House card might become the stage where his long saga finally ends. His fight against time has already begun, and this one won’t be settled with punches.