For Conor McGregor’s legion of supporters that were thrilled when it was announced earlier this year that he would make his long-awaited return in 2023, it looks like they will now have to wait even longer.
When it was revealed Conor McGregor, 34, was set to be a coach on season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter” UFC fans rejoiced. The most popular fighter in MMA history was finally back in the fold and would be around to build up toward his return to the Octagon after nearly two years away recovering from a broken bone in his leg suffered during his loss to Dustin Poirier in July of 2021.
Related: Conor McGregor next fight – Notorious faces Michael Chandler in UFC return
What made the news all the better was the fact that he would face Michael Chandler. A competitor that is very popular in his own right, and who had long called for the bout that fans had started to clamor for over the last year. While the UFC didn’t announce a firm date for the bout, most speculation suggested the match would likely take place in Fall.
Conor McGregor has yet to enter USADA testing pool
Yet it wasn’t long before an Autumn clash seemed unlikely and a booking in the Winter was possible. Well, that time period isn’t looking very likely either as Conor McGregor’s return to action continues to be moved back for one specific reason. His disinterest in officially returning to the United States Anti-Doping Agency.
- Conor McGregor record: 22-6 (19 KO, 1 submission)
To be eligible for a bout in the UFC, a fighter must have been in the USADA pool for at least six months and random tests must have been administered in that time. On Tuesday, Chandler took to his social media to slam the fact that “Notorious” had yet to enter the testing pool and had passed the point where he would be ready for the promotion’s final pay-per-view of 2023 on December 16.
Conor McGregor has bulked up considerably while recovering from his injury, and it has led many to speculate his muscle growth isn’t natural. The fact that he has yet to enter the USADA pool months after a fight announcement only adds to the discourse that he may no longer be a clean athlete.
The Irishman got himself in serious trouble recently while appearing at Game 4 of the NBA Finals. At the event, he reportedly sent the Miami Heat mascot to the hospital with a punch during a halftime showcase to promote a business venture. Then later in the night, he was accused of sexual assault by a woman at the game.
There is always a chance Conor McGregor could get an exemption, however, after the UFC and USADA did exactly that for former champion Brock Lesnar several years ago, the current WWE star tested positive for a banned substance after the event. Doing that again seems unlikely now.