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Dana White Noncommittal on McGregor as 18-Month CSAD Ban Sets March 2026 Return Window

White says matchmaking for the White House card begins in February 2026, leaving McGregor’s status to eligibility officials.

Overview

  • Combat Sports Anti-Doping imposed an 18‑month retroactive ineligibility on Conor McGregor for three Whereabouts failures, making him eligible on March 20, 2026.
  • White reiterated that the UFC has not discussed any fights for the planned June 2026 White House event and pointed questions on McGregor’s availability to Jeff Novitzky.
  • CSAD reduced the standard two‑year sanction after determining McGregor cooperated and was not preparing for a bout, noting missed collections on June 13, Sept. 19 and Sept. 20, 2024.
  • Former fighter Matt Brown publicly questioned CSAD’s independence, arguing that a UFC‑funded program invites conflicts of interest for high‑profile cases.
  • A resurfaced sparring video from Italy drew mixed reactions about McGregor’s readiness as he remains out since a 2021 leg break and withdrew from a 2024 return with a broken toe.