UFC enthusiasts are now firmly convinced that Conor McGregor`s illustrious career in the Octagon has reached its conclusion. This widespread belief follows the Dubliner`s acceptance of an 18-month retroactive suspension for a violation of the UFC`s stringent anti-doping policy.
The former two-division champion was handed this ban after failing on three separate occasions to provide his whereabouts, a requirement for submitting drug test samples to CSAD. This oversight has put his fighting future into significant doubt.
While McGregor is officially sidelined until March of next year, theoretically making him eligible to compete at the highly anticipated UFC “White House” event in the summer—a card he has vocally expressed his desire to join for weeks—many fans are not optimistic.
Indeed, social media is abuzz with speculation that this latest setback will undeniably spell the end for the 37-year-old fighter`s decorated run in combat sports.
Fans Anticipate the End of Conor McGregor`s UFC Journey
McGregor had reportedly been eyeing a headline slot at the monumental White House event scheduled for June next year, with a grudge match against former title challenger Michael Chandler being widely touted. However, his future now appears tenuous.
With renewed uncertainty stemming from this anti-doping policy breach, a significant portion of the fanbase believes McGregor is destined to miss out on what would be a long-awaited return to the Octagon.
“Oh yeah, he’s (Conor McGregor) definitely never fighting again.”
— A user comment on X
Another user offered a speculative take on McGregor`s recent social media silence, suggesting it was a calculated move in anticipation of the news regarding his issues with CSAD:
“Bro goes off social media just prior to this news breaking.”
— Another user comment on X
Conversely, a third user held onto hope for his return by the summer event, pointing out the March suspension end date:
“Would make him eligible just in time for White House event in June.”
— A user comment on X
Yet another commenter mused that Michael Chandler should probably come to terms with the likelihood of missing out on another highly anticipated clash with McGregor, especially after their failed pairing at UFC 303 last summer:
“Somebody check on Chandler. Dude thought for a second he was actually gonna get his match.”
— A user comment on X
Skepticism also arose regarding the timing of his eligibility, with one user noting the “convenient” three-month gap before the White House event:
“Very convenient eligibility date. Definitely not performative b——-.”
— A user comment on X
Calls for UFC to Exclude McGregor from White House Card
Despite McGregor`s unwavering determination to headline the summer`s stacked event—which UFC President Dana White has promised will be one of the greatest in promotional history—some voices are urging the promotion to proceed without him.
Expressing doubts about the necessity of his, or even former heavyweight champion Jon Jones`, involvement, a decorated ex-champion suggested that the high-profile event would still succeed effortlessly without either star.
Jack Thornley