USADA Director Says Special UFC Exception Not “Applicable” for Conor McGregor – “McGregor Is Not Enrolled in Our Testing Pool”

Conor McGregor is not currently in USADA’s testing pool. Although it has been discussed multiple times by multiple personalities, the topic has never left the minds of the UFC world. Finally, USADA confirmed that McGregor is no exception to the testing rules and would have to get back into the pool.

McGregor currently ranks at number 14 in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. Although he is out of the testing pool, his presence in the active roster and rankings have baffled the UFC world. The fighter, in fact, has to abide by the UFC’s testing policies without any special treatment.

Conor McGregor needs to get back into the testing pool

The ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor hasn’t entered the Octagon after his terrible injury in 2021. The former UFC double champion had his metatarsals crushed during his fight with Dustin Poirier. He has not only been out of action but also out of the USADA’s drug testing pool. 

UFC’s anti-doping policy strictly dictates that when a fighter leaves the pool and re-enters, he or she must spend at least 6 months in the pool before entering the Octagon. During this tenure, the fighters are required to produce a minimum of 2 samples that mark them free to enter the arena. 

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USADA also has the power to grant exceptions to fighters and allow them early entry. However, this is certainly not the case for the ‘Mystic Mac’. Averi Walker, the USADA director of communications, recently emailed ESPN regarding McGregor’s situation. Walker said, “McGregor is not enrolled in our testing pool and would have to be for six months unless an exception is granted, which we do not think would be applicable.”

The ‘Notorious’ claims to be clear for testing

Recently, the former lightweight and featherweight titleholder tweeted that he was clear for testing. He wrote, “I am clear for testing in February. I will complete my two tests per USADA and we are booking a fight.” 

The 34-year-old martial artist would not be granted any exemption and has to complete 6 months of testing. Moreover, this was previously confirmed by the UFC president, Dana White; during the UFC 280 post-fight press conference. 

If the facts are true, then the fans would indeed rush to watch the highest-paid combat sports athlete step back into the Octagon sometime in August 2023, after providing two negative tests. Nonetheless, McGregor’s return would bring about a wave of excitement for UFC fans.

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What are your thoughts on McGregor’s return to the UFC? Let us know in the comments down below.