THE US Anti-Doping Agency confirmed Conor McGregor’s return to the drug-testing pool – before announcing they are splitting with UFC in January.
The 35-year-old McGregor reentered the testing pool on October 8 but he may not have to wait the customary six months before returning to action.
PAConor McGregor’s testing saga has triggered the split between USADA and UFC[/caption]
USADA requires athletes that have been out of action to submit to six months’ of testing and provide at least two negative tests before they are given the green light to compete again.
The Irish star, who suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in his last fight back in July 2021, was expected to face Michael Chandler in December.
But that potential showdown had been scuppered because of the testing rules.
His return to testing would usually mean he would not be able to return until at least mid-April – which is around the time president Dana White is expected to book a blockbuster UFC 300 card.
However, protocol could controversially change after USADA revealed that the UFC have opted against renewing their contract with them.
And that has led to a fierce response from USADA CEO Travis Tygart, who released a statement saying: “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.
“We do not currently know whether the UFC will ultimately honor the six-month or longer agreement… USADA will no longer be involved with the UFC Anti-Doping Program. …The UFC did an about-face and informed USADA on [Oct 9] that it was going in a different direction.”
Tygart then highlighted USADA’s dismay, saying: “We are disappointed for UFC athletes [who rely on USADA] to protect their rights to a clean, safe, and fair octagon.
“The UFC’s move imperils the immense progress made within the sport under USADA’s leadership.”
He then finished with: “The relationship between USADA and UFC became untenable [when UFC leaders and others started questioning] USADA’s principled stance that McGregor not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months.
“Fighters’ long-term health and safety – in addition to a fair and level playing field – are more important to USADA than short-term profits at the expense of clean athletes.”
McGregor is still expected to fight Michael Chandler upon his eventual return to the octagon but he has also been linked with a blockbuster trilogy bout against Nate Diaz.
The Notorious has won just one fight since beating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in November 2016.
He lost to Floyd Mayweather in boxing, Khabib Nurmagomedov and twice to Dustin Poirier in the UFC with his one win coming against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
