Are Rumors of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Fighting at UFC 296 True? Irishman’s Tweet Raises Questions on USADA’s Status

Most UFC fans were enthralled when the famed UFC icon, Conor McGregor, was selected as one of the coaches for TUF this year. It meant McGregor would also face off against his rival TUF coach at the end of the season. It would mark his return from a more than 2-year-hiatus from the UFC. However, they were severely disappointed when he failed the USADA testing pool deadline to gain clearance and compete in the UFC in 2023.

Just a few days back, ‘The Notorious’ penned a cry of help on X since USADA wasn’t allowing him to get back to the octagon. He also wanted the Endeavor CEO, Ari Emanuel, to look into this matter and facilitate his cause, if possible. Well, recent proceedings indicate that McGregor’s return is very much possible as per the previously scheduled timeline.

A promising update from Conor McGregor about 2023 return

Most fans might agree that Conor McGregor looked pretty helpless previously. ‘The Notorious’ stretched out his hand to Emanuel and the Nevada State Athletic Commission for help. He ardently wanted to get back inside the octagon on the same date and event that the UFC had scheduled for him.

But the recent update from the Irishman might make the fans feel that there has been some development regarding this issue. ‘Mystic Mac’ took to X once more and posted a snap of a ‘UFC Fight Pass card’. It also displayed that ‘The Notorious’ will be making his return at UFC 296 against his TUF rival, Michael Chandler.

McGregor generally chooses to put captions with his snap posts. This time though, he made an exception. But, the unavailability of a caption has raised the speculations of the fans even further. There are already speculations that Dana White can pull a few strings and could get McGregor returning to the octagon despite the USADA deadline failure. But that would only pave the way for more controversies.

Conor McGregor’s 2023 return might spark a controversy about USADA’s role

A large chunk of fans might view this post as McGregor’s confidence towards making his return at UFC 296. But, his jacked-up size during his timeout compelled many to think that he was on steroids. Hence, many assumed USADA would never allow him to compete without clearing their testing process.

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Per the current USADA guidelines, every UFC athlete returning to the USADA testing pool must pass at least two tests and spend six months in the testing pool. McGregor circumventing this rule might raise questions about how USADA was okay with the Irishman competing at UFC 296 without completing the required procedures.

With questions of fair play being ever so relevant, will McGregor actually make a return at UFC 296? Can ‘Mystic Mac’s prediction come to fruition despite the many doubts and uncertainties regarding his comeback? If it does, will the UFC face any blowback for the same? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

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