Conor McGregor: UFC icon officially re-enters USADA testing pool, but doping agency fears he may not serve six-month requirement

• McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg vs Dustin Poirier in July 2021
• The Irish superstar is scheduled to take on Michael Chandler early in 2024
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

Conor McGregor took another step towards returning to UFC by re-entering the US Anti-Doping Agency’s (USADA) testing program.

The 35-year-old has not fought in the Octagon since July 2021 when he was beaten by Dustin Poirier for a second time and suffered a broken leg.

He has been out of the USADA testing pool since, but the agency announced he has re-entered.

It said in a statement: ‘We can confirm that Conor McGregor has re-entered the USADA testing pool as of Sunday, October 8, 2023.

‘We have been clear and firm with the UFC that there should be no exception given by the UFC for McGregor to fight until he has returned two negative tests and been in the pool for at least six months.

Conor McGregor took a step towards returning to UFC by re-entering the USADA testing pool

But the doping agency fears he may return before spending six months in the testing pool

The UFC – spearheaded by president Dana White – has chosen not to renew its contract with USADA, meaning McGregor may not be required to serve his six-month period

‘The rules also allow USADA to keep someone in the testing pool longer before competing based on their declarations upon entry in the pool and testing results.’

However, the USADA went on to reveal they will no longer be working with the UFC from January onwards, meaning McGregor could be thrown back into action before serving his six months in the pool.

‘Unfortunately, we do not currently know whether the UFC will ultimately honor the six-month or longer requirement because, as of January 1, 2024, USADA will no longer be involved with the UFC Anti-Doping Program,’ it continued.

‘Despite a positive and productive meeting about a contract renewal in May 2023, the UFC did an about-face and informed USADA on Monday, October 9, that it was going in a different direction.’

‘The Notorious’ had been rumored to fight Michael Chandler before the end of the year, but that will not happen until April 2024 at the earliest due to USADA’s rules.

Chandler has been calling for McGregor to re-enter the pool ever since lining up against his upcoming opponent as a coaching rival on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter.

Dana White’s plan was for the pair to collide at the end of the season, yet McGregor’s delay in re-entering has pushed their scheduled clash back. 

On Sunday night he posted on X: ‘I’m back in the pool. Will be doing my stint at high elevation before the bout’. 

McGregor is set to return against Ultimate Fighter rival Michael Chandler in early 2024

McGregor and Chandler were initially expected to step into the Octagon to headline UFC 296 on December 16, but the main event for that show has now been confirmed as Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington. 

But the Irishman insists his comeback will still be against Chandler.

‘Yes, it has to be,’ McGregor told All Out Fighting as he stated the 37-year-old will definitely be his opponent, whenever his return fight is made. 

‘Chandler, sit down and wait and shut your mouth, yeah? The Mac will be here soon. [I’m] en route. En route, son. En route. It’s imminent. It’s imminent.’

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