Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has been suspended for 18 months following a series of missed drug tests under the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) program.
According to the agency, McGregor failed to provide his whereabouts on three separate occasions, which qualifies as a violation under their testing policy.
He avoided the full two-year penalty after cooperating with the investigation and because he was not preparing for a scheduled bout at the time. McGregor will be eligible to compete again on March 20, 2026, which still allows the possibility of appearing at the UFC’s planned White House event in June.
Matt Brown voices frustration
UFC veteran Matt Brown had plenty to say about the suspension. Speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer, he argued that the situation reflects deeper issues with the UFC’s testing structure.
“UFC controls the doping,” Brown said. “Who’s to say they’re not letting certain people dope and not even saying anything? They could absolutely be doing it and just not saying anything.”
Brown believes the real concern is not whether athletes cheat, but the UFC’s ability to control every part of the process.
“Do I think they’re doing that? It doesn’t matter. It’s irrelevant whether they are or not. If they have the power to do it, that’s what matters,” he continued. “I don’t know what it’s going to take for fighters [to step up]. I don’t know if it’s possible for fighters to ever step up and be like ‘yo, this is some bullshit.’”
From USADA to CSAD
For years, the UFC relied on the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to handle its testing program.
That partnership ended after disagreements surrounding McGregor’s testing process and other internal issues. After the split, the UFC launched its own in-house body known as CSAD, led by former FBI agent George Piro, who oversees all disciplinary actions.
Although the UFC maintains that CSAD operates independently, Brown and other fighters question how independent a program can truly be when it is funded and operated by the same organization it monitors.
Concerns over star treatment
Brown expressed skepticism about how CSAD would handle positive tests involving high-profile fighters or big-money events.
“Whoever’s fighting Conor, are they not going to be like what the fck?” Brown said. “He knows what’s happening. You’re going to tell me if the UFC’s controlling the doping, and they’re doing a White House card next year, and then say Conor fails a test the week before, are they not going to be like ‘all right Conor, we can’t really say anything right now.’ What the fck are they going to do? Are they going to pull out Conor from the f*cking White House event?”
He added that the same logic applies to other major names like Jon Jones or Alex Pereira, who have also headlined major pay-per-view events.
“Or if Jon Jones is the main event and Alex Pereira and those guys both piss hot the week before? Are they just going to stop the f*cking main event for the White House card? You’ve got to think that’s why they got rid of USADA and why they wanted the control.”
“It’s a cat and mouse game”
Brown also criticized the testing system itself, arguing that wealthier athletes can easily find ways around it.
“It’s just not right,” Brown said. “We could get deep into the subject of drug testing. I think it’s for the most part kind of garbage anyway. Not anybody but the vast majority that can afford to beat a drug test are beating the drug test. It’s a cat and mouse game and the mice have a huge head start.”
He went on to explain how lucrative the test-evasion industry has become.
“When you’re talking about dealing with multi-million dollar athletes around the world, and you’re the guy that can help them beat a drug test and still get them on shit, you’re a f*cking multi-millionaire. There’s a lot of money in this shit. It’s just when you’re an athlete, can you afford this or not?”
Doubts about McGregor’s return
McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a leg break in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. His planned 2024 comeback was canceled after he broke his toe in training, extending his time away from competition.
Even with his suspension ending in early 2026, Brown believes the Irish star might never return to the cage.
“I just don’t see it,” Brown said. “It’s been years. The injuries, the money, the fame — he doesn’t need to do it. And if he’s asking for $100 million to fight at the White House card, that tells you everything you need to know.”
McGregor had previously hinted at wanting a massive payday for his comeback, suggesting a $100 million price tag. That alone, Brown believes, might be the real obstacle to his return rather than the suspension itself.
