Conor McGregor was supposed to make his return against Chandler in December 2023. However, the fight fell through as the Irishman failed to join the testing pool on time, which led to speculations of the Irishman taking PEDs to help heal his injuries. However, a recently released UFC database left fans confused.

Aaron Bronsteter, a reputed MMA journalist, recently took to Twitter to talk about the anti-doping database that was released. Bronsteter revealed that McGregor registered twice to get tested, which led many to question why the USADA didn’t let McGregor fight despite passing the test. Michael Chandler in a podcast addressed the reasons.

Michael Chandler addresses USADA’s stance with Conor McGregor

On a podcast episode of Bussin’ With The Boys, UFC lightweight Michael Chandler was featured in the episode where he talked about the standoff between McGregor and the USADA. Chandler addressed the topic by talking about the Irishman leaving the USADA testing pool due to an injury. He stated, “Obviously, he hopped out of the testing pool needed to heal and he’s had ample amount of time to heal now. By the time that we fight June 29, it will be three years. When you come back, you have to have six months in.”

Chandler then proceeds to explain that the UFC doesn’t have any problems with fighters dropping out of the USADA testing pool. He then told the BWTB hosts, “Get out of your shot at testing pool and they’re like, Okay, cool, you’re out. But if you decide to come back and unretire, you have to be in the USADA pool for six months.”

The UFC lightweight explains that despite any reason for withdrawing from the pool, whether it be personal or injury-related, athletes have to be in the pool for 6 months before competing again. He goes on to say, “As soon as you’re outside of the USADA testing pool, even for one minute, if you come back, you have to wait the next six months, I don’t know if there’s a certain amount of negative tests you have to have because they were talking about negative test. That was Conor’s big thing.”

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Despite USADA’s 6 months policy, McGregor was reported to have tested negative for PEDs. So when will McGregor return inside the octagon?

Dana White addresses the return of ‘The Notorious’

Conor McGregor announced his retirement but claimed to be returning inside the octagon at UFC 302 on June 29th, during the international fight week against Michael Chandler at middleweight. However, the UFC CEO denied McGregor’s statements.

Dana White, during the post-fight press conference of UFC 297, addressed McGregor’s return inside the octagon. He stated, “No. When Conor is ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we do. I don’t know.”

Given that the head honcho of the UFC denied McGregor’s return for UFC 302, when do you expect the Irishman to return? Let us know in the comments section below.

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