Conor McGregor has responded to a recent report that alleged he has used performance-enhancing drugs during his time away from MMA.
‘Notorious’ withdrew from the UFC drug testing pool to focus on recovering after breaking his left leg during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The New York Times claims Conor McGregor used banned performance-enhancing drugs, allegedly with a degree of support from his bosses at the UFC.
Ultimately, this led to a rift between MMA’s premier promotion and its drug-testing partner, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), before they parted ways in 2024.
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Conor McGregor was fully focused on his health
Conor McGregor was asked about the doping allegations during an appearance on Tuesday’s episode of The Ariel Helwani Show.
The former dual-weight champion was surprised by the New York Times report but didn’t confirm or deny taking banned drugs.
“Shocking. Shocking. A man’s private medical [information],” McGregor said.
“The most devastating injury that you could see in combat sports. The whole thing is strange to me. You have an injury like that, you’re not going to walk again.
“The objective should be to get that athlete, that fighter, who’s given his life, his limb, his livelihood for the entertainment of the people and the profit of the company, it should be to get this man back on his feet, and that was not the case. Not with the UFC, but the former body (USADA) that was there prior. I find that strange, and I find that wrong.
“I’m airlifted out of this f—ing arena with my leg hanging off, ‘How am I going to walk again?’
“If a doctor is prescribing certain things and medications and stuff like that, otherwise you’re not going to walk again. There’s like a 20 percent chance that leg doesn’t join together. It’s called non-union when the bone doesn’t join, and you’re left on a wobble forever. That’s what’s at stake here? F*ck this fighting game. Are you crazy? I have children to raise and play with. I was a bit shocked that was the case.
“I took myself out of the pool and listened to my doctors. I didn’t even ask questions. If you’re going to ask, ‘What was it?’ I don’t even know.
“I don’t want to know. All I want to know is what’s going to get me back on my f—ing feet to be able to play with my children in a normal capacity again. That was it.”
UFC statement on Conor McGregor & USADA
Conor McGregor is currently preparing to fight for the first time in five years at UFC 329 on July 11.
The 37-year-old will face Max Holloway in a five-round welterweight contest at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Before McGregor’s interview with Ariel Helwani, the UFC issued a statement addressing the New York Times report.
“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,” the UFC statement read.
“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 laboratories.
“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.”