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“I Certainly Support Guys Taking Things…” – Joe Rogan Backs Changes in Testing Protocol for Conor McGregor Due to This Single Reason

Published 12/07/2023, 10:22 PM EST

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Conor McGregor and his grand return have been a topic of debate ever since it was announced. Now, his return to the Octagon comes close with UFC 300. However, by then, the USADA and its protocols will be gone thanks to their exit from the promotion in early 2024. So were their methods of testing the fighter justified to start with?
Every fighter in the UFC has stood witness to the rigorous testing procedures of the USADA. The organization was no less hard on McGregor who was recovering from a brutal leg injury. Many fans alleged that McGregor had used substances to recover faster. Now, Joe Rogan has given his take on it.

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Joe Rogan on testing Conor McGregor

Joe Rogan is an MMA pundit like no other. And he believes Conor McGregor deserved a little bit more relaxed testing because of his injuries. Using substances is not a new ordeal in the world of battle sports. But if Joe Rogan is to be believed, it’s all alright if it’s for the recovery of a fighter. Certainly, a hot take.

“I would imagine it’s going to be a little more ‘lax and I would support that, yeah, I certainly support guys taking things to recover from injuries like Connor did with his leg injury 100% no question about it I’m 100% all in on that,” Rogan stated to Derek Plates, his guest on the Joe Rogan Experience.

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The two were discussing the new organization that will be taking USADA’s place come January. Drug Free Sport International has previously been affiliated with the likes of the NFL, the NBA, and FIFA. They will be taking over the doping program at the UFC and Rogan assumes their procedures might be a bit more relaxed.
As opposed to the USADA, an organization that became infamous for knocking on fighters’ doors at terrifying hours for tests. Athletes like Jiri Prochazka have reported feeling intense anxiety over USADA visits and how their syringes made them feel. Prochazka also became the most-tested UFC fighter at one point after being tested 64 times in 2022. Thankfully for McGregor, that won’t be happening. But does that guarantee his return against Michael Chandler?

McGregor’s return to the cage

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For now, there’s no significant update on McGregor’s exact return date. While many suspect that the fighter might make a comeback at UFC 300, but do we really know? While McGregor remains busy beefing with the Irish government, his opponent, Michael Chandler has heard rumors that will not faze him.

“I’ve seen Conor talk about other opponents, I’ve seen Conor talk about different dates, I’ve seen Conor you know completely dismiss me and act like the fight with me is not happening. These are all ways that these guys try to get inside of people’s heads. Unluckily for them your boy’s bulletproof.” Chandler said on The MMA Hour Show with Ariel Helwani.

Also Read: Did Conor McGregor Get an Exemption From USADA? Rival Michael Chandler Makes a Disclosure on Irishman’s Controversial Testing Status

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And he could be right. Perhaps the mind games are all part of an elaborate ploy. Nonetheless, perhaps the act of mentioning the delays could be a sign of the tricks working. What do you think? Do you think McGregor will come back soon?

Watch This Story: UFC Legend Throws Up After Intense Training With Former Navy SEAL 

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Written by:

Prit Chauhan

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One take at a time

I'm Prit Chauhan, and I'm a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. I've been in the writing business for three years, covering areas like mass media marketing, and even tried my hand at fiction. My experience includes research work at the University of California, Berkeley, which helps me spin fact-based stories about the world of Mixed Martial Arts effortlessly.
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Edited by:

Joyita Das