Sean Strickland has reignited steroid speculation in the UFC after Conor McGregor’s sudden leg injury at UFC 329 on June 18, 2026. The lightweight champion’s post-fight collapse—where he struggled to stand—has prompted Strickland to revive long-standing claims about PEDs in the sport, tying McGregor’s issues to a pattern of suspicious injuries among top fighters.

What Happened at UFC 329?

McGregor’s bout against Islam Makhachev ended in a first-round stoppage, but the real story unfolded afterward. The Irishman, visibly favoring his left leg, later admitted to a strained muscle. Strickland, watching from the octagon, took to social media to question the injury’s legitimacy. *“This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this,”* he wrote, referencing past incidents where fighters have returned from seemingly career-ending injuries only to dominate again.

Why Strickland’s Theory Matters

Strickland isn’t new to this conversation. In 2024, he publicly accused McGregor of using performance-enhancing drugs, citing *“unexplained comebacks”* after injuries. His latest comments resurface those doubts, particularly after McGregor’s rapid recovery from past setbacks—including a 2025 rib injury that saw him return in under three months. *“The timeline doesn’t add up,”* Strickland told reporters, pointing to *“medical science”* as inconsistent with the UFC’s top stars’ durability.

The UFC’s Stance on PEDs

The UFC has repeatedly denied systemic doping issues, but Strickland’s claims force the organization to address lingering skepticism. In 2023, the league introduced stricter testing protocols, yet fighters like McGregor continue to face scrutiny. *“We test regularly, and the results speak for themselves,”* said UFC CEO Dana White in a 2025 statement. But Strickland’s persistence—backed by a growing fanbase—keeps the debate alive, especially as McGregor prepares for his next title defense later this year.

What Comes Next?

Strickland’s comments have already sparked backlash from McGregor’s camp, with the fighter’s team calling the allegations *“baseless and defamatory.”* Yet, the controversy may push the UFC to tighten oversight further. For Strickland, it’s another opportunity to challenge the status quo. *“If the truth comes out, it’ll change the sport forever,”* he warned, framing his theory as part of a larger fight for transparency in MMA’s highest levels.

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Key Details:
- Event: UFC 329 (June 18, 2026)
- Injury: Conor McGregor’s left leg strain post-fight
- Strickland’s Claim: Links McGregor’s injury to *“suspicious recovery patterns”*
- UFC Response: *“Regular testing, results speak for themselves”* (Dana White, 2025)
- Next Fight: McGregor’s title defense scheduled for late 2026.