By Tyson Otto
Copyright news
The fight promotion announced the former two-division world champ has been banned for 18 months after Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) officials found he violated doping protocols.
McGregor last week announced his return to the Octagon was “confirmed” after months of speculation he will headline the historic UFC card taking place at the White House in Washington with the support of US President Donald Trump.
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In an extraordinary twist to Wednesday’s announcement, McGregor will still be sanctioned to fight on the blockbuster June 14 card because the suspension is back-dated to last year.
The UFC announced McGregor’s suspension was also reduced from 24 months to 18 months because of his co-operation in assisting the investigation launched by CSAD agents.
According to the UFC, McGregor missed three attempted doping tests within a 12 month period — a violation of the UFC’s Anti-Doping Policy.
UFC athletes are required to provide accurate doping officials with there whereabouts at all times, so they can be contacted and submit to biological sample collections without prior warning.
McGregor’s missed tests occurred on June 13, September 19, and September 20, 2024.
His period of ineligibility began on September 20, 2024 and will conclude on March 20, 2026 — almost four months before the White House event.
It is an important result for US President Trump with the blockbuster card still lacking a clear headline fight.
McGregor previously said he wanted a $100 million payday and 100 golden visas as payment for competing at the White House.
“Done deal, signed, delivered. It ain’t a negotiation. It’s a done deal, signed, delivered,” the former lightweight world champ told Fox News.
UFC champion told Sean Hannity on Fox News this week.
“McGregor will compete in the White House for America’s 250th birthday.”
The 37-year-old hasn’t competed in the Octagon since he suffered a broken leg in July 2021, where his left tibia and fibula snapped.
He has also dealt legal troubles outside the Octagon after he was found liable in a civil case for sexual assault in July.
McGregor had previously been scheduled to return to the UFC in 2024, but pulled out of the bout against Michael Chandler due to a broken toe that he suffered while training for the fight.
Fighting at the White House wouldn’t just mark the return of the UFC’s biggest star, but it would be a boon for the promotion to bring him into the fold for this massive card, which is expected to be broadcast on CBS.
The UFC generated an earth-shattering $7.7 billion broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+, following its previous partnership with ESPN.
This card was surely a big selling point for CBS, and it appears that McGregor will come with it.
Still, the UFC has had to overcome numerous hurdles to make this event happen, with it being scheduled to take place on the South Lawn of the White House.
UFC President Dana White recently stated that the octagon in which fighters compete is so heavy that it will necessitate replacing the grass on the South Lawn, potentially costing the promotion $700,000.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones had also been jockeying for position with McGregor at the top of the card, but it appears that the promotion prefers McGregor for this spectacle.
— with the New York Post