Conor McGregor pushes back on PED claims before UFC 329
Conor McGregor’s return was already carrying enough baggage without a fresh anti-doping story appearing weeks before UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2. Now McGregor and the UFC are both rejecting the suggestion that he did anything improper while recovering from the broken leg that kept him out of competition for five years.
The controversy began after a report claimed McGregor sought permission to use substances prohibited under the UFC’s former USADA program while recovering from his injury. According to that account, his surgeon supported the proposed treatment, but an exemption was not approved. McGregor later removed himself from the testing pool while focusing on rehabilitation.
McGregor says walking again mattered more than fighting
McGregor did not give a detailed list of the medication he received. Instead, he focused on the severity of the injury and the possibility that the damaged bone might never heal correctly. His argument was simple: at that point, returning to the Octagon was secondary. Being able to walk normally and play with his children was the real priority.
He also criticized the idea that private medical information from such a serious recovery could become part of a public accusation years later. McGregor said he followed the instructions of his doctors and was not asking which medications were being used if they could safely get him back on his feet.
Conor McGregor responds to a recent report of using PEDs during his recovery
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 17, 2026
📰 https://t.co/aArHDhgEL5 pic.twitter.com/Ez7YZSNaTe
The UFC publicly backs McGregor’s version
The UFC issued its own statement supporting McGregor and denying that his situation caused the promotion’s split with USADA. The company said discussions about replacing USADA had already started before the McGregor recovery dispute became an issue.
The promotion also said McGregor remained in communication with the company, followed the rules of its anti-doping program, and has since been tested repeatedly. UFC officials stated that he underwent 19 tests across the previous two years, including 12 during 2026.
That does not erase every anti-doping issue surrounding his comeback. McGregor previously received an 18-month suspension after repeatedly missing required whereabouts checks. The punishment was applied retroactively and ended in March. However, a whereabouts violation is not the same as testing positive for a banned substance, and McGregor has never failed a UFC drug test.
Max Holloway rematch now carries another layer of controversy
The timing guarantees that the story will follow McGregor into fight week. He is scheduled to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. The rematch comes more than a decade after their first meeting and marks McGregor’s first UFC appearance since the leg injury.
Holloway vs. McGregor was already one of the biggest comeback fights the UFC could make. Now every press conference, medical question and drug-testing update will receive extra attention. McGregor insists the recovery chapter is being misrepresented. The UFC agrees. Whether fans accept that explanation will become part of the build toward July 11.
Conor McGregor PED Report and UFC 329 FAQ
Did Conor McGregor admit to using PEDs during his recovery?
No. McGregor said he followed medical advice after suffering a devastating leg injury, but he did not confirm that he knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.
Has Conor McGregor ever failed a UFC drug test?
McGregor has never recorded a positive drug test during his UFC career.
Why was Conor McGregor suspended by the UFC anti-doping program?
He received an 18-month suspension for repeatedly failing to complete required whereabouts checks. The suspension was retroactive and ended in March 2026.
How many times has Conor McGregor been drug tested before UFC 329?
The UFC said McGregor was tested 19 times over two years, including 12 tests during 2026. McGregor separately estimated that he had been tested around 15 times that year.
Did Conor McGregor cause the UFC to leave USADA?
The UFC says no. The promotion stated that plans to replace USADA were already being discussed before McGregor’s recovery situation became part of the dispute.
When is Conor McGregor fighting Max Holloway again?
Holloway vs. McGregor is scheduled to headline UFC 329: McGregor vs. Holloway 2 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
Why is the Max Holloway rematch important?
The fight brings McGregor back after five years away and gives Max Holloway the opportunity to avenge his earlier loss in one of the biggest rematches available to the UFC.
