UFC defends Conor McGregor on PED use, USADA split claims

The UFC has issued a statement defending Conor McGregor against allegations that his use of performance-enhancing drugs during injury recovery prompted the promotion's 2024 break from USADA.

Last week, the New York Times published a piece examining McGregor's PED use while rehabbing from a broken leg sustained in 2021. The report suggested his public spat with the United States Anti-Doping Agency may have contributed to the UFC ending that partnership. According to MMA Mania, the promotion on Tuesday called that claim false and said McGregor followed medical advice from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache throughout his five-year absence.

UFC cites McGregor testing record, internal documents

The statement noted that McGregor has been tested 19 times in the past two years, including 12 tests in 2026 alone, making him the most tested athlete in that span. "Any suggestion that UFC's decision to end its partnership with USADA was related to Conor McGregor is categorically false," the promotion wrote. Internal records reportedly show discussions about dropping USADA began months before any talks involving McGregor.

The UFC said it chose to partner instead with Drug Free Sport, Combat Sports Anti-Doping, and SMRTL laboratories, calling that group "far more competent, organized, and sophisticated." McGregor returns against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — UFC defends Conor McGregor from New York Times, USADA slander in official statement: ‘Categorically false’ | MMA Mania