As USADA Disappointment Multiplies, Shocking Scheme for Conor McGregor’s Return Set in Place by UFC as Manager Reveals Date for Superstar’s Comeback

Conor McGregor has been staying away from fighting ever since he suffered a broken leg after fighting against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Ever since then, the MMA community eagerly awaits the UFC superstar’s return to active competition. As a first step towards his comeback, the Irishman became a coach for the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter. His rival coach was former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler. It was believed that after the end of TUF 31, ‘Iron’ and ‘Notorious’ would come face-to-face inside the UFC octagon. Their fight was set to take place towards the end of 2023. However, McGregor failed to enter the USADA testing pool.

According to USADA norms, the Irishman should enter a testing pool at least six months before a fight. As ‘The Notorious’ didn’t enter the USADA testing pool, many started believing that the bout might not occur. However, Conor McGregor came forward to declare that he was ready to fight. Now there is a new update about the fight. The Irishman’s manager, Audie Attar, has given a new timeline for McGregor’s showdown against Chandler. He says that even the UFC wants the fight to happen then.

There is a new timeline for Conor McGregor’s return

Conor McGregor’s manager, Audie Attar, was talking in an interview with MMA Junkie. During the conversation, he mentioned that the Irishman and Chandler would lock horns in 2024. He said, “You can’t rule out the end of the year, but I think just in terms of where we are right now in terms of the date, it’s likely going to be 2024. I think that’s what the UFC has their sights set on so, we’ll see kind of exactly when that will be.” According to Attar, there are more chances for the showdown between McGregor and Chandler to take place in 2024, as it is most convenient for all the parties involved. He revealed that even the UFC wants McGregor to return next year.

The Irishman has mentioned several times that he is ready to fight Chandler. However, it seems he developed cold feet when it came to entering the USADA testing pool. Many believed that ‘Mystic Mac’ would get some special treatment from the promotion and USADA. Nonetheless, it seems that USADA is not ready to give him any special consideration; instead, they want the Irishman to be present for testing.

READ MORE: Weeks After Missing USADA Deadline, Conor McGregor Provides a Huge Update on His Highly Anticipated UFC Return

USADA made it clear that they wanted McGregor to go through all the procedures like any ordinary MMA fighter. Currently, Conor McGregor’s manager has confirmed that they have talked with USADA and that the former UFC double division champion is going to do things the right way.

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