UFC News: Conor McGregor Could Return Early as Proven by Anti-Doping Records Despite Dana White’s Denial

Conor McGregor‘s return to the world of fighting is eagerly anticipated, but the exact date remains uncertain. Despite his strong efforts to make a comeback, progress has been slow. Even Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, has expressed his belief that McGregor is not yet prepared for a return. However, anti-doping reports tell a different story, indicating that he may be ready.

‘Mystic Mac,’ last stepped into the Octagon two years ago when he faced off against Dustin Poirier. This fight resulted in a serious injury for McGregor, an injury that still has implications today. However, the Irishman has since recovered and is on the verge of making his comeback to the sport, possibly sooner than initially anticipated, as indicated by the updates from the UFC’s Anti-Doping records.

Conor McGregor could return sooner than expected

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were expected to lock horns last December on the pretext of TUF 31 but USADA intervened and stated that McGregor had to provide 2 clean tests as well as spend the mandatory minimum of 6 months in the testing pool before he could step foot into the Octagon ever again. The UFC star agreed to it after an online public feud with the organization.

USADA has finally released the list of the fighters who underwent the drug test and McGregor’s name is at the forefront. The reports suggested that ‘The Notorious’ has undergone two drug tests. Reputed MMA journalist Aaron Bronsteter tweeted ” The UFC anti-doping database has released their first-ever update since the end of their partnership with USADA on Dec. 31. Of the 61 athletes who registered test sessions, two athletes registered more than one session, one of whom is Conor McGregor (*the other is T. Lapilus).”

With two tests being done, all that is needed is the confirmation that they were clean. Then, the former two-weight world champion can compete as early as April, given that the news of his enrollment in the USADA pool was confirmed by their CEO Travis Tygart back in October 2023.

On the eve of the New Year, McGregor announced that he was going to fight Chandler in June in the middleweight division. However, there’s a catch to it, Dana White explained that Conor McGregor is not ready to make a return and the probability of seeing the fighter in June is slim. This statement by the CEO broke the hearts of the MMA community who wanted to witness the biggest-ever star of the UFC fight once again.

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The former dual-weight champion may be eligible to return to the Octagon sooner than expected if we are to believe the words of the anti-doping agency. However, as per Chael Sonnen, McGregor is finding it difficult to get any opponent for himself.

Has the ‘red panty night’ lost its appeal?

Chael Sonnen has expressed concerns about Conor McGregor’s current situation, suggesting that the Irish fighter is facing significant challenges in his comeback efforts. ‘The American Gangster,’ believes McGregor’s return to the Octagon is proving to be a tough endeavor.“Four days prior to Conor telling us he was going to fight Michael Chandler on June 29th at T-Mobile Arena, four days prior to that, he told us he was going to box Manny Pacquiao in the Middle East. I’m not comfortable.” 

He further added “As a matter of fact, if you want to know what I think’s going on, I think Conor’s having a hard time getting this fight,” Sonnen believes that McGregor is not sure about where he wants to fight. ‘The American Gangster’ emphasized that Dana White might delay his return.

Nonetheless, USADA has made its statement, and seems like McGregor is close to making a return. When do you think Conor McGregor will return to the Octagon?

Read More: “Having a Hard Time Getting This Fight” – Conor McGregor Takes Desperate Measure to Book a Return Against Michael Chandler Despite Dana White’s Denial, Claims UFC Insider