At the Joshua – Helenius fight in London’s O2 Arena, Conor McGregor announced that he will be returning to the octagon in December this year. But, as ‘Notorious’ told fans in a series of voice notes on Twitter on Sunday, that’s not going to happen. McGregor had been a head coach on the just-concluded season of The Ultimate Fighter and was slated to fight opposing coach Michael Chandler in a bout at UFC 296 in December.

Although this seems to have come as a shock to McGregor, and the exact reasons for the delay of the bout are unclear, ‘Mystic Mac’s distressed voice notes seem to suggest it has something to do with the Nevada Athletic Commission. But, verbose former title contender Chael Sonnen thinks the blame lies squarely on USADA’s shoulders.

Chael Sonnen criticizes USADA’s handling of the Conor McGregor saga

On his YouTube channel, Sonnen blamed USADA for the fight falling through. The Oregon native was critical of the anti-doping body’s conduct in the affair and felt it was unnecessary.

“USADA TKO’d Conor McGregor. Yeah, this has been the fight all along. All along it has been Conor versus USADA. USADA was very bad from coming out and speaking on what would happen should Conor return, considering Conor had not returned,” he said.

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“Anytime that you come out and you’re getting ahead of something and you’re trying to deal with a problem that doesn’t currently exist it’s a very risky game and USADA didn’t need to do it.” Sonnen added.

USADA rules require a fighter to enter their testing pool six months in advance before fighting in the UFC. And McGregor has reportedly not entered the pool yet. ‘The Bad Guy’ seems to suggest that this is the reason behind the cancellation.

Status of a McGregor comeback in December remains doubtful

A despondent-sounding McGregor told fans he was looking forward to the fight, but it wasn’t going to happen.

“I’m ready, yeah. I want in. I wanted the announcement, December 16. I’ve given everything. It’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. I thought we [confirmed it], but turns out, maybe it’s not so much. I don’t know,” he said.

He promised to come back soon, perhaps early next year. “But anyway, I hold the power, and I’m going to keep doing my thing, I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see you all soon. F****** early next year, hopefully”.

McGregor pleaded to the UFC’s parent company Endeavor’s executive Ari Emanuel and former Nevada Athletic Commission Executive Director Bob Bennet.

Read More – “Dude Has Zero Stamina”: Amid Conor McGregor’s Recent On-and-Off With USADA and UFC, Opponent Michael Chandler Drops a Major Announcement Leaving Fans Divided

“Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f*ck?’”

However, ‘Notorious’ took a U-turn and told fans that “December was back on the table” in a later tweet.

The UFC, however, has not confirmed this and the exact date of the bout remains in doubt. It seems ‘Mac’s fans might have to wait until at least early next year for his return. Until McGregor’s issue with the USADA is resolved, or an official announcement by the UFC comes, nothing could be said of the dates.

Watch this story: Conor McGregor Gives a Fired-Up Speech During TUF 31