Full Breakdown
Conor McGregor’s Return Amid Allegations of Performance-Enhancing Drug Use
6/12/2026, 9:08:59 AM
Alleged Doping Cycle Ahead of UFC 329
Conor McGregor will fight Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, his first bout since a broken leg in July 2021. A New York Times investigation, based on two anonymous sources, alleges McGregor used banned performance-enhancing drugs during his recovery, aided by sports doctor Neal ElAttrache, and then attempted to avoid anti-doping detection.
Injury, Recovery and Medical Oversight
McGregor fractured his left leg at UFC 264 in Las Vegas in July 2021. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the surgery and later referred him to bone-healing specialists. ElAttrache wrote a letter supporting a therapeutic-use exemption for banned substances, which USADA denied. McGregor left the USADA pool, re-entered on October 8, 2023, and disclosed his prior drug use.
Chronology of Key Events
- July 2021 – Leg fracture at UFC 264.
- 2021-2022 – Alleged PED use during rehab, supported by Dr. ElAttrache.
- 2023 – USADA denied therapeutic-use exemption; McGregor exited the pool and re-entered on Oct 8, 2023, disclosing drug use.
- Dec 31, 2023 – UFC ended its USADA contract.
- 2024 – CSAD took over anti-doping.
- Oct 2025 – CSAD issued an 18-month suspension for three missed tests, retroactive to Sep 2024, ending March 2026.
- July 11, 2026 – UFC 329 bout.
Official Statements & Responses
Dr. Neal ElAttrache told New York Times he does not prescribe hormone or steroid treatment. Manager Audie Attar said McGregor withdrew from USADA pool in order to focus fully on his recovery. UFC’s Hunter Campbell said McGregor had maintained communication with the organization and was in compliance with its drug program. USADA confirmed banned-substance use during McGregor’s pool absence, and CSAD imposed an 18-month suspension for missed tests.
Criticism and Opposition
Commentators such as Joe Rogan have suggested McGregor bypassed UFC anti-doping rules to speed his recovery. USADA’s denial of a therapeutic-use exemption and its later discovery of banned-substance use constitute formal criticism. The UFC’s termination of its USADA contract and CSAD’s suspension further highlight concerns about compliance and transparency.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
The New York Times report cites two anonymous sources claiming McGregor used powerful banned drugs, yet no specific substances have been publicly linked to him. USADA confirmed drug use after his pool re-entry, but details on compounds and dosages remain undisclosed. The source’s reliability rating of 41.04 suggests limited verification.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I don’t prescribe hormone or steroid treatment." — Neal ElAttrache, Sports Doctor (via text)
- "to focus fully on his recovery" — Audie Attar, McGregor’s manager
- "maintained proper communication with our team" — Hunter Campbell, UFC chief business officer
- "in full compliance with the rules of our comprehensive drug program." — Hunter Campbell, UFC chief business officer
What’s Next
McGregor is scheduled to face Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, in Las Vegas. The bout will be his first test after the CSAD suspension, and anti-doping authorities have indicated continued monitoring.