Conor McGregor hits 2025’s drug-test total — And the year is not over

Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Conor McGregor’s drug testing activity is beginning to hint that his return to the Octagon could be close. There is a growing expectation that McGregor will make his comeback during International Fight Week, with the Nevada State Athletic Commission recently approving a UFC event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for July 11. McGregor has been vocal about his frustration with not having a contract in place yet, though reports have indicated that discussions between both parties have been heading in the right direction.

McGregor has also stated recently that there is truth to the rumours and fans can expect him to return soon. The UFC’s anti-doping test history suggests the same thing. Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Conor McGregor leads UFC roster in drug tests for 2026 Before he could step back into the octagon, Conor McGregor had to serve an 18-month suspension due to multiple whereabouts violations.

But staying in contact with ‘The Notorious’ hasn’t been a problem this year, according to the promotion’s anti-doping test records. The database was updated on March 27, showing two more tests over the past week and bringing his total for the year up to seven. This matches the number of times he was tested during his inactive spell in 2025.

Merab Dvalishvili led all fighters last year with 14 tests after defending his bantamweight title four times. While several fighters have three tests so far in 2026, none has reached four besides the former two-division champion. Following Max Holloway’s comments about a possible rematch, Ariel Helwani has reported that ‘Blessed’ is now expected to be McGregor’s opponent when he returns in July.