Conor McGregor has been out of the ring for two years. He has been recovering from his broken leg from his bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. The Irishman has been the head coach at this season of The Ultimate Fighter. He went up against Michael Chandler and his team in a forgettable season that saw Team McGregor lose all fights but one.
The finals of TUF 31 will be held at the undercard for UFC 292 this Saturday, and none of McGregor’s fighters made it. However, the Dubliner can still salvage the season and come up with his head held high. He will face his opposing coach Chandler in a welterweight bout, and a victory there would go a long way in making fans forget his pitiable season as coach. And, despite the uncertainty of USADA rules, it seems there is good news for fans waiting for his comeback.
Conor McGregor and the status of his training camp
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a tweet on their official Instagram account, ‘MMA UNCENSORED’ reported that the Irishman has started camp for his bout against Chandler. The two were slated to face each other in the octagon in December. But, USADA rules require a fighter to join their testing pool at least six months in advance before they could fight in the UFC. ‘Notorious’ has not joined the pool yet, casting doubt on the bout being held this year.
Conor McGregor’s fight camp is underway. #UFC #MMA #ConorMcgregor pic.twitter.com/OuL42JppUw
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) August 18, 2023
The UFC, however, does have the authority to exempt fighters from the six-month rule if it chooses. Even though McGregor publicly stated at the Joshua – Helenius match in London that he will fight Chandler in December, the UFC is yet to make any official pronouncements.
Fans react to reports of Conor McGregor starting camp
Fans were divided on the issue, with some supporting McGregor while others were puzzled since he had not yet joined the USADA testing pool. Here is what they had to say.
One fan felt that McGregor will get tired in the first round on his comeback:
He will gass out at Round 1.
— Ance Schmidt 🌳 (@AbsentShift) August 18, 2023
Another referenced McGregor not having joined the USADA pool yet:
Can anyone say usada???
— Shane F. D’ Onofrio (@shane_donofrio) August 18, 2023
One user felt this camp will last over a year:
52 week camp
— Erik Strough (@erikwstrough) August 18, 2023
Another asked him to join the USADA pool first:
Nah get tested by usada first🤡
— Eddie_77 (@El_Eduardo416) August 19, 2023
Read More – Conor McGregor Provides Fans an Update as He Gears Up to Take On Michael Chandler
Another fan agreed:
Is. He. In. The. Testing. Pool?
— Jordan ( ירדן ) (@Jordanunbroken2) August 18, 2023
One user was tired of McGregor’s antics:
I am this close 🤏🏻 to banning the words “Conor” and “McGregor” from my timeline, bcs he’s up there with new nothings everyday. If there is an actual fight somehow, somewhere, sometime, i’ll surely find out anyway
— ernie_on_a_boat (@on_ernie) August 18, 2023
Another wished him well:
Break a leg 🎉
— ⛄ (@weeb_cent) August 18, 2023
One fan commented on his physique:
This is naturally attainable. Not by regular men though.
— Quadruple Agent (@HaiderAK777) August 19, 2023
Another thought the Irishman looked like an impostor of himself in the picture:
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
That looks like a Brittle Bones McGregor imposter
— Random Man James _/ (@james_19958) August 18, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Fans, of course, are eagerly waiting for the biggest superstar in UFC history’s comeback. But, most are concerned about the UFC exempting McGregor as they feel it would be unfair on Chandler. Do you think the UFC should exempt McGregor from the six-month rule? Tell us in the comments section below.
WATCH THIS STORY: “Once he comes back, it’s over”-UFC World Reacts To Latest Colby Covington USADA News