Home

UFC

Conor McGregor Close to Comeback as USADA Reveals Crucial Testing Details Ahead of UFC Star’s Return

Published 05/20/2023, 12:58 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

Conor McGregor has crossed the last hurdle on his way to a UFC return. As per a recent statement from McGregor and a following announcement from USADA, the former champion will re-enter the testing pool. An announcement earlier this year from UFC president Dana White confirmed McGregor would return to action this year. He also added the Irishman would feature opposite prospective opponent Michael Chandler, in the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

However, McGregor’s journey to a return hit a snag when he and the US Anti-Doping Agency got into a public standoff. While the Irishman expected special consideration, USADA insisted on McGregor following the normal procedure. Several fans and pros were beginning to get skeptical about McGregor vs. Chandler as the USADA situation dragged on. Now, both parties have cleared the air and have confirmed they’ve reached an agreement.

Conor McGregor set to re-enter the USADA testing pool

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During a recent public appearance, ‘The Notorious’ confirmed that his ongoing situation with USADA had been resolved. ‘The Notorious’ was talking to the media alongside boxing promoter Eddie Hearn at McGregor’s ‘The Black Forge Inn.’ Hearn and McGregor are co-promoting Irish boxing legend Katie Taylor’s upcoming fight against Chantelle Cameron.

Hours after McGregor’s comments, USADA released a statement of its own, confirming McGregor’s claims. The statement said, “We have recently been in direct contact with Conor McGregor and as he confirmed today in the media we expect to receive his paperwork coming out of retirement and re-ntering the USADA testing pool immediately.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

They also added, “McGregor will be subject to testing for at least six months and must provide at least two negative samples before being permitted to compete.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MMA Junkie (@mmajunkie)

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

TUF 31 premieres on May 30 on ESPN and will run till August. During this time fans can expect the fight announcement, according to McGregor.

Despite Conor McGregor and Jake Paul’s Presence Causing Concern at Serrano vs Hardy, Boxing Promoter Lauds MMA Star

Although he was initially reluctant to take the six-month period, it seems McGregor had to bend to USADA’s will. With this timeline, McGregor vs. Chandler might not happen any earlier than November.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story Watch: UFC star Conor McGregor’s only win by submission in MMA

What are your thoughts on the announcement? When do you expect McGregor vs. Chandler will happen? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Yeswanth Praveen

928Articles

One take at a time

Yeswanth Praveen is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports, having written over 500 articles on the sport. With a Master’s degree in English Literature, Yeswanth expertly combines his writing and storytelling skills with his passion for MMA. He was initially drawn to the sport after the intense rivalry between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov captured his attention.
Show More>

Edited by:

Rohini Kottu