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Dana White Reveals Who Controls Conor McGregor’s Fate Regarding Brock Lesnar-Like USADA Exemption

Published 03/19/2023, 2:15 PM EDT

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The world is eagerly anticipating the grand return of Conor McGregor to the octagon after his prolonged hiatus, but just as hopes were rising, a potential stumbling block threatened to derail his much-awaited comeback. The looming confrontation between ‘The Notorious’ and USADA poses as a potential cause in delaying his comeback fight against Michael Chandler later this year. And despite this being the matter of the UFC’s biggest star, promotional frontman Dana White has opted out of the ongoing Conor McGregor-USADA drama.

The Irishman has waged a war against the anti-doping agency. And this has further added a set of hurdles in the path of his comeback. Moreover, White couldn’t be less concerned about it. When asked about his involvement in the matter, the 53-year-old made it clear that he wants no part of it and has now passed the buck to the ‘expert’ to handle the situation.

Dana White bails out of anything USADA-related

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During the post-event press conference of UFC 286, Dana White was put in the hot seat to share his thoughts on the ongoing feud between the Irishman and USADA. The UFC president was quick to distance himself from the matter. He stated that he is no longer the person of contact in such situations. Furthermore, he stated to reach the right person, that being the Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, Jeff Novitzky.

“Have you ever heard of Jeff Novitzky?” Asked White, in response to the reporter’s question.

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He further added, “Ask him these questions. I don’t give a sh*t about any of that stuff anymore. That’s his problem. I don’t get involved in the drug testing situation whatsoever. I know nothing about it and I don’t want to know nothing about it.”

“I leave it to the expert. He [Jeff Novitzky] is the expert in this thing. And you guys call him and interview him anytime about it.” Concluded the UFC boss.

While White remained tight-lipped on the issue of McGregor‘s alleged non-cooperation with USADA, the anti-doping agency had other ideas. They released a statement that does not favor the Irishman’s situation at all.

USADA is in no mood to bargain

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Conor McGregor‘s hopes of getting a special exemption from the mandatory 6-month test period requirement have hit a roadblock; as per the latest statement from USADA. Although the Irishman is optimistic about following in the footsteps of Brock Lesnar, USADA has made it clear that in order to return to the octagon, ‘The Notorious’ will have to fulfill the mandatory 6-month testing period requirement.

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Hence, the Irishman’s much-anticipated comeback depends on his cooperation with USADA and his adherence to their policies. With Dana White steering clear of the matter; it would be for the best if McGregor and the USADA can come to terms to avoid jeopardizing his scheduled return.

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Written by:

Mayur Soni

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Mayur Soni is a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. His interest in the UFC heightened when he first saw his favorite fighter Conor McGregor knockout Jose Aldo in mere 13 seconds, in 2015. He thus got hooked on the sport.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana