Conor McGregor Addresses Substance Allegations

Conor McGregor has responded to claims that he used a “powerful banned substance” during his recovery from a severe leg injury, asserting that he was unaware of what he was taking.

“If you’re asking me what I was in, I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t want to know,” McGregor stated during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show” this Tuesday. “All I’m focused on is getting back on track. I just want to be able to play with my kids like I used to. That’s what matters.”

Recent reports suggest that McGregor was guided by Dr. Neal El-Atrace, a physician who works with the Dodgers and Rams, while he underwent treatment for his leg. The UFC fighter has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.

The report also mentions that McGregor left the USADA testing pool in 2022 and didn’t return until late 2023 after seeking a therapeutic use exemption.

According to officials managing the drug testing program, he may have attempted to “exploit a loophole.” McGregor remarked, “It’s all strange to me. If you’re injured badly, the aim should be getting back on your feet. That fighter, that athlete, has given everything—his life, his health—for the entertainment of fans. He should be helped.”

He further expressed his disappointment not just in UFC policies, but also in earlier organizations. “It seems odd, and I think it’s wrong,” he added.

Dr. El-Atrace mentioned he had recommended a specialist for McGregor’s bone healing but clarified that he wasn’t responsible for the treatment choices made. McGregor suffered his injury during a fight with Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Interestingly, the doctor expressed support for McGregor, pointing out that the UFC has banned certain drugs that are necessary for treating various medical conditions.

El-Attrache noted that scenarios like McGregor’s are why therapeutic use exemption applications are in place; however, since the UFC’s relationship with USADA ended after 2023, McGregor wouldn’t qualify for such a waiver anymore.

The UFC now manages its anti-doping program in collaboration with Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).

In a supporting comment released on Tuesday, the UFC clarified that their decision to move away from USADA was unrelated to McGregor’s case. “This story continues to misrepresent the facts surrounding the abrupt decision by USADA’s leadership to end its contract with the UFC,” the statement read.

In October, CSAD imposed an 18-month ban on McGregor for failing to attend three tests in a single year, a ruling that was reviewed earlier this March.

The UFC has reported that McGregor has undergone 12 tests since then, making him “the most tested athlete during this period.”

Looking ahead, McGregor is set to make his return to the Octagon on July 11th against Max Holloway. This fight marks his first appearance since his defeat to Poirier.