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Conor McGregor leaving Blanchardstown Court, Dublin, where he is charged with dangerous driving in relation to an incident in west Dublin in March. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2022. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Conor McGregor leaving Blanchardstown Court, Dublin, where he is charged with dangerous driving in relation to an incident in west Dublin in March. Picture date: Thursday June 23, 2022. (Photo by Brian Lawless/PA Images via Getty Images)
Conor McGregor is a legendary UFC Fighter. He has won the featherweight championship and the lightweight championship in his career as an MMA Fighter. However, he took time off the Octagon after his UFC 264 loss. Many fans have been questioning his USADA status as he hasn’t been tested in 2022.
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Conor McGregor wants to get back in the Octagon soon and is still in the UFC rankings at #11 in the lightweight division. So, his not being tested by the USADA was odd for several people.
How USADA responded to McGregor not being tested
USADA is a testing agency that exists to prevent any unfair usage of substances to give athletes an advantage in their sport. As there are rumors of ‘The Notorious’ returning next year, his not being tested raised eyebrows.
His last fight was against Dustin Poirier on the 11th of July, 2021. Since then, The UFC Fighter has been absent. Aaron Bronsteter took to Twitter to share a statement made by USADA.
McGregor's team and the UFC declined comment.
USADA provided TSN with the following statement: pic.twitter.com/7iNSS6BwXU
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 23, 2022
USADA has commented on the event sharing some details which would give fans a better understanding of the situation. They stated that an athlete must be in their testing pool for six months before competing.
“… the UFC may grant an exemption to the six-month written notice rule in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to the athlete, but in both cases under the UFC rules, the athlete must provide at least two negative samples before returning to competition.”
Their statement further read that they do not comment on the pool status of athletes.
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – MAY 28: Conor McGregor watches the action from the pitlane during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 28, 2022 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Mario Renzi – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
According to this tweet, The Irishman is required to be tested negative by USADA to compete in the UFC. Therefore, it would be interesting to see under what circumstances ‘Mystic Mac’ makes a return.
Fans React to a suspicious USADA statement on Conor McGregor
Many users on Twitter believe a conspiracy around USADA allowing McGregor to get an unfair advantage over his upcoming opponents. They shared their opinions.
You sound surprised, Connor gets special treatment period. He makes everyone so much money he is untouchable
— Larry Stricklin (@larsbars01) September 26, 2022
Dang even Jones got found out after hiding but Conor's floating around free from testing. #mma#usada
— Scire UFC Bets (@PhilipScire2) September 24, 2022
Twitter users felt uncomfortable about how USADA is treating McGregor differently from other athletes. Some also, think McGregor still has a long time before making his comeback.
Probably in his contract. Dude is obviously on something
— Kilo Papa (@KCP757) September 24, 2022
Various examples say yes. They also as stated in the Tweet thread have tested fighters like Travis Browne, Sheldon Westcott and John Hathaway who are essentially retired. Everyone under contract is suppose to be tested regardless of fight ready status.
— Mike Magas (@Meodread) September 24, 2022
People speculated about a number of things.
Hes never in the US anymore. USADA don't usually chase people for testing outside the US right? He's always moving around on that yacht, they can probably never pin him down.
— AbsoluteMuppet (@AbsoluteMuppett) September 24, 2022
“Active fighter”😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/vjjz31ufaq
— Alex (@CatalanCapi) September 24, 2022
Serious question as I genuinely don't know the answer. Does the USADA travel out of country to test? Like randomly, outside of an event being held somewhere? From his SM if doesn't seem like he's been anywhere near the US this year.
— Mark Verity (@Metabolic_V) September 24, 2022
While social media users shared their opinions, what do you think of this Conor McGregor and USADA fiasco? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Edited by
Rohini Kottu