Conor McGregor has been out of the USADA testing pool for some time now. The testing agency requires an athlete to spend six months in the pool. Clearing two successful tests is also a criterion for clearance for any athlete in the pool. McGregor, being out of the USADA testing pool, raised voices from all corners. Many accused him of steroid use. In a new development, TJ Dillashaw went out of the UFC rankings after suffering an injury. Michael Bisping on his podcast has now speculated that Conor McGregor might have opened a door for athletes to go in and out of the USADA pool.
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Michael Bisping was talking to Anthony Smith on his podcast, ‘Michael Bisping Podcast’. Talking about TJ Dillashaw going out of the rankings after his loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280 in October and his subsequent retirement news, Bisping thought it might become a loophole for managers and athletes to go out of the testing pool and be back in it at their convenience.
Bisping also went forward and said TJ was following the path Conor McGregor showed. He said, “TJ’s is adhering to the to the guidelines if you say right, tell me how the rankings, take me out of the testing pool. I’m gonna have surgery, I’m gonna take a s**t ton of juice.
Bisping finds nothing wrong in going out of the pool
While Anthony Smith didn’t look too convinced with the idea, Michael Bisping said he didn’t find this dishonest or immoral.
Replying to Anthony Smith he said, “Medicine, this would be another word that they a phrase that they may throw around right and then when I’m all healed up, then I’ll come back in the testing pool. And when you put it like that doesn’t sound like anything dishonest or what would be another word, I’m looking for immoral.”
TJ Dillashaw’s manager has now confirmed that the fighter has retired from the UFC, but fighters and experts have different opinions about his retirement. Many fighters like Sterling have called out on Dillashaw, accusing him of using his retirement for other purposes.
I wish Dillaroids a speedy recovery. I don’t want any fellow colleagues to have long lasting physical damage. Whatever he needs to do to get back to 100% is fine in my book. Just know a 2nd smoke sess will always be here waiting for him. 😤 https://t.co/z4Szfom3hg
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 6, 2022
Bantamweight fighter Ricky Simon and middleweight fighter Chris Curtis had similar views. Cody Garbrandt also criticized Dillashaw for his ‘retirement’.
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Conor McGregor found a loophole?
UFC is a sport that will have injuries and severe ones at that regularly. The brutal nature of the fighting sport sees athletes being injured and sometimes beyond recovery. Conor McGregor going out of the pool, recovering, and claiming to be fit for testing soon is a trend that many fighters may follow. Michael Bisping agreed to the fact that steroids do help recovery and may be used as ‘medicines’ in the future.
‘Mystic Mac’ and his USADA worries will take some time to settle. If he gets back in the octagon again, it will be an example for many fighters to follow. Do you want to see ‘The Notorious’ fight again?
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