In preparation for his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler later this year, Conor McGregor has disclosed that he is currently in discussions with the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to resume their drug testing program.
The Irishman withdrew from the doping testing pool following his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC264, in the process of which he broke his leg.
Withdrawing himself from the testing pool, the rules state that an athlete cannot fight until after six months within the testing pool.
However, McGregor appeared to suggest that those rules will not apply to him.
Revealing the extensive steps he is taking to be allowed back into the testing pool, McGregor said told The MMA Hour that he was in ‘constant communication’ with the agency.
Conor McGregor has revealed he is in talks with USADA over his desire to re-enter the testing pool
McGegor has bulked up significantly since his defeat to Dustin Poirier in summer of 2021
‘I’m not rushing nothing,’ McGregor said. ‘There’s hurdles and whatnot, but we’re in constant communication.
‘There’s an interview scheduled and a meeting happens and then it will be official. But the six months thing, what they had said was two clean tests and off I go, so I assume it won’t be too long.’
It opens up the possibility of McGregor taking on Chandler later this year, though questions still hang over his head.
McGregor, who for a long time was the UFC’s most identifiable and marketable star, has seen his career in the octagon somewhat fall by the wayside following back-to-back defeats against Dustin Poirier.
McGregor is eyeing a return to the octagon against Michael Chandler – potentially in September
During his time out, McGregor has piled on muscle, which has sparked some fears surrounding a potential use of performance enhancing drugs.
McGregor himself hit back at the claims last autumn, detailing his diet to someone on social media who had accused him of bulking up using untoward methods.
‘Proper Twelve and Forged Irish Stout. Served alongside my own, organically grown, Irish beef, served on a hot stone. Tidl spray for pain,’ he wrote.
With UFC286 in London this weekend, McGregor could be spotted in the O2 as he eyes a return to the octagon after the best part of two years away.
