McGregor Slams ‘Political Shadiness’ And Confirms His USADA Enrolment
In the latest MMA news, Conor McGregor has opened up on why he has been away from the UFC for longer than expected.
Following his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, the ‘Notorious’ has taken his time to enter back into the Octagon following his broken leg. There had been an expectation that he would return this year to face Michael Chandler.
However, the failure to enroll in USADA in time had prevented that. Fighters are required to submit two negative samples over a six-month period before they can compete.
USADA Rules
“Like other athletes who come out of retirement, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, McGregor will be subject to testing for at least six months and must provide at least two negative samples before being permitted to compete. The purpose of this rule is to ensure that all athletes who are not subject to a period of testing are adequately tested over a reasonable period of time before competing to ensure a level playing field for all athletes,” USADA
McGregor’s failure to do so ruled out a return in 2023. However, his latest social media posts suggest that he has enrolled. And yet, it seems that there were other issues going on in the background.
McGregor’s Anger
“My retirements were political, right. There was political shadiness going on in the background that I was like, ‘Good luck to you guys [the UFC]. I’m out of here.
“It’s tough to walk away for sure. How can I speak on this when I’m never gonna walk away? You know, I’m gonna simply recalibrate my competition,” McGregor
Nevertheless, there are still a few issues that need resolving. McGregor’s opponent has yet to be confirmed even if a fight at UFC 300 has been rumored.
The links with Chandler, albeit continue to persist, there is no guarantee that McGregor will entertain the idea. After all, the Notorious has been linked with fighting Nate Diaz, and Justin Gaethje.
“[Michael] Chandler, I have to do it. I’ve just got to do that [smack] him. I’m gonna grab him by the chest [and smack him]. That’s what I’ve got to do. Chandler next in December and then Gaethje, BMF, and then we’ll do the Nate trilogy,” McGregor stated
“Dear Conor McGregor, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) would like to take a moment to welcome you back as a member of the UFC Registered Testing Pool (RTP),” USADA
