Conor McGregor’s claim on drug-testing gets response from USADA

USADA is not ready to allow Conor McGregor to fight without getting into the six months testing pool.

Conor McGregor’s claim on drug-testing gets response from USADA

Conor McGregor (Image Courtesy: UFC)

Conor McGregor is expected to make his UFC comeback after two years against Michael Chandler this year. However, the Irish superstar has been out of the USADA testing pool. Amidst worries of his return, McGregor gave an update on his testing schedule.

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, McGregor mentioned he is a meeting away from figuring out a smooth operation with USADA and the UFC. He said: 

"I’m not rushing nothing. There’s hurdles and whatnot. But we’re in contact. We’re in constant communication, and there’s an interview scheduled and a meeting (that will) happen, and then it will be official."
Conor McGregor on MMA Hour show
YouTube video

The former UFC double champion revealed he just needs to give two tests with negative results and everything else will go smoothly. McGregor has been out since his injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

McGregor has been shooting a movie with Jake Gyllenhaal called ‘Road House’ and has also been slowly training in the gym to get back in the octagon. McGregor’s affirming words on drug testing however were refuted by USADA recently.

USADA disapproves of Conor McGregor’s claims of having a meeting

The US Anti-Doping Agency has been in collaboration with UFC for a long time and is known for its strict policies. USADA is infamous for taking multiple tests of athletes randomly. The organization recently released a statement in which it talked about Conor McGregor‘s testing pool and denied scheduling any meeting. 

Conor McGregor (Courtesy MMA Mania)
Conor McGregor (Courtesy MMA Mania)
"While we meet with all athletes who enter or re-enter the testing pool, we do not currently have a meeting set with Conor and, as of (Thursday), we have not received notice of his coming out of retirement to compete."
USADA statement via TSN Sports

Normally, McGregor will have to get into the testing pool six months prior to his comeback fight. Following the new TUF 31 season, it is highly likely that Conor McGregor will fight Michael Chandler on his return.

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