With the UFC White House event approaching, he appears serious about a return. Despite nearly five years without a bout, he is the UFC's most tested fighter in 2026.

Throughout his career in the UFC, McGregor has never tested positive for banned substances under the promotion's anti-doping program. However, doubts grew when he posted photos appearing significantly larger than his usual frame during his layoff. Speculation followed interviews where he appeared hyperactive, slurred words, and occasionally lost his train of thought, despite no violations on record.

McGregor once claimed he would become the most tested athlete under the UFC's partnership with Drug Free Sport International after it parted ways with the United States Anti-Doping Agency. That appears accurate, as he was tested 11 times in 2024, seven times in 2025, and three times in the first two months of 2026, according to the UFC anti-doping website, prompting a boastful reaction from the Irishman.

Well, no surprise there. As always, the most tested.

Well, no surprise there. As always, the most tested.

However, McGregor is serving an 18-month suspension under the UFC anti-doping program after three whereabouts failures in 2024, including missed required testing filings and compliance updates. The sanction was reduced from 24 months to 18 months due to cooperation and applied retroactively to September 2024. His ineligibility lasts until March 2026, barring him from sanctioned bouts until then.

Recent months have been productive for McGregor outside the Octagon. He was recently cleared in a civil case stemming from an alleged incident during the 2023 NBA Finals in Miami. The Irishman has also spoken about embracing spirituality and credited that shift for broader personal changes. In December 2025, he married longtime partnerDee Devlin in Vatican City, calling spirituality central to the decision.

All of these developments come at a pivotal stage for Conor McGregor as his suspension nears its conclusion. He has been vocal about targeting a return at the proposed UFC White House event and has shared training footage in preparation. The timing aligns with his re-entry into the UFC testing pool. However, it remains unclear who 'The Notorious One' would face in a comeback bout.

Conor McGregor's potential return at the proposed UFC White House event has generated significant anticipation as his suspension nears its end. The Irish star has indicated he is preparing through a six-month training camp to ensure full readiness for competition. He also recently revealed that his next opponent has been identified internally. According to McGregor, he is now awaiting the official contract.

Many initially believed McGregor would return against former The Ultimate Fighter 31 rival Michael Chandler after their 2024 bout at UFC 303 fell through. However, CEO Dana White later stated the UFC was not targeting that matchup for his comeback. Speculation then linked welterweight contender Carlos Prates to the opportunity. That rumor led Prates to address and warn the Irishman of a potential fight.

I didn't get anything from the UFC yet… to be honest I think that fight is hard to happen. I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out. I don't think it's the right way to make a comeback of a huge superstar like him.

Carlos Prates has established himself as a dangerous striker with momentum in the welterweight division. In his most recent outing at UFC 322, he scored a knockout victory over former champion Leon Edwards. Prior to that, he delivered a precisely timed spinning elbow to stop Geoff Neal at UFC 319. That level of finishing ability would present a significant risk for Conor McGregor in a potential comeback bout.

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