Conor McGregor is back in the spotlight ahead of his scheduled UFC return, but this time the attention is not focused on a fight. A new report from The New York Times claims anti-doping officials became aware that McGregor had allegedly used banned substances while recovering from the serious leg injury he suffered in 2021. The report also claims he later attempted to avoid scrutiny from anti-doping authorities, though no formal anti-doping violation related to those substances has been publicly announced.
The claims come just weeks before McGregor’s expected return to action. According to The New York Times, two people familiar with the matter said anti-doping officials learned of the alleged substance use before McGregor re-entered the testing program. The report did not identify the substances involved. McGregor, his representatives, and UFC officials have continued to maintain that he followed the rules throughout his recovery process.
Conor McGregor’s recovery, Therapeutic Use Exemption discussion, and anti-doping questions draw attention
The controversy centers on McGregor’s recovery from the devastating leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The injury damaged both his tibia and fibula and required major surgery involving a rod, plates, and screws. The operation was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Neal ElAttrache, who has treated several high-profile athletes and celebrities. According to The New York Times, ElAttrache supported an application for a Therapeutic Use Exemption, commonly known as a TUE. Such exemptions can allow athletes to use otherwise prohibited substances for legitimate medical treatment.
Responding to questions about the process, ElAttrache told the publication, “There are many banned drugs on the list which are necessary to medically treat various conditions which occur in people. That is why a therapeutic use exemption application exists.”
The report also claims some anti-doping officials believed McGregor was attempting to use a loophole in the system. However, it remains unclear whether any exemption was approved, denied, or formally requested.
McGregor left the USADA testing pool in 2022 while focusing on rehabilitation. During that period, several fighters and UFC commentator Joe Rogan publicly questioned his physical transformation. Rogan famously remarked that McGregor looked as though his urine “would melt that USADA cup.”
When questioned by The New York Times, McGregor’s manager Audie Attar defended his client. He said McGregor stepped away from testing to “focus fully on his recovery under the care of his team of world-renowned physicians.” Attar also criticized the reported disclosure of private medical information.
UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell also backed McGregor, saying the former two-division champion acted “in full compliance with the rules of our comprehensive drug program.”
As of now, no public evidence has been released showing that McGregor failed a drug test related to the allegations outlined in The New York Times investigation.
