Conor McGregor allegedly continued using anabolic steroids and human growth hormone after his broken leg had healed, with one source claiming the UFC star said he liked the energy the drugs gave him.
Two insiders told The New York Times that McGregor, 37, used the banned substances while outside the UFC’s drug-testing pool. One person said officials learned that he remained on them because he enjoyed how they made him feel.
McGregor and the UFC have maintained that the substances were part of a medically necessary recovery after he suffered a devastating leg break during a July 2021 fight.
Speaking in June, McGregor said he took extraordinary steps because he wanted “to be able to play with my children in a normal capacity again.” His manager, Audie Attar, said McGregor “has been in full compliance with the rules” and stands by his testing history.
The UFC said McGregor faced a “potentially career-ending injury” and followed medical advice. The organization added that he has undergone 22 tests over two years, with all 32 samples reported as negative.
Antidoping experts say steroids and human growth hormone can accelerate the growth of muscle, tendons and other tissue, with possible benefits lasting long after use stops.
McGregor reentered the testing pool in October 2023. He was later suspended over three missed tests, though that penalty was backdated and has now expired.
