Despite repeatedly expressing his intention to fight this year, Conor McGregor has chosen to stay outside of the USADA testing pool, raising questions about his eligibility for upcoming bouts.
With just a couple of days remaining, it seems that Conor McGregor’s opportunity to make his highly anticipated return to the UFC’s Octagon this year will soon come to a close.
According to Verdict MMA, Conor McGregor has a remaining window of 48 hours to re-enter the USADA testing pool, making him eligible for UFC 296, the final Pay-Per-View event of the year.
USADA mandates a minimum six-month testing period for athletes before they can compete.
However, McGregor has shown resistance to viewing these rules as a hindrance to his comeback.
“In response to Conor McGregor’s recent media statements, USADA has confirmed that they have been in direct communication with him.
According to USADA’s statement, McGregor will be submitting the necessary paperwork to come out of retirement and re-enter the USADA testing pool promptly”.
Like other athletes who return from retirement, McGregor will be subjected to a minimum six-month testing period under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy.
During this period, he must provide at least two negative samples before being cleared to compete.
The purpose of this rule is to ensure fair competition and a level playing field for all athletes by conducting thorough testing over a reasonable period of time.
Despite the statement released by USADA in May, recent updates on testing show that Conor McGregor has yet to join the USADA testing pool.
However, time is running out for McGregor as Friday marks the six-month deadline before UFC 296 in December.
If he intends to fight at that event, McGregor must enter the testing pool by Friday to meet the eligibility requirements.
While Conor McGregor has expressed his lack of concern regarding USADA and the required six months of testing, USADA has consistently emphasized that he must undergo the mandated testing period before being scheduled for a fight.
Following his leg injury and loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor’s recent track record includes a knockout defeat by Poirier in January and his last victory dating back to January 2020 when he knocked out Donald Cerrone.
