Conor McGregor closer to UFC comeback; Re-enters USADA testing pool
Conor McGregor, the Irish MMA sensation, is edging closer to his UFC comeback. After a significant hiatus from the sport due to a devastating leg injury, McGregor is now back in the United States Anti-Doping Agency's (USADA) testing pool, taking a significant step toward a return to the octagon.
Road to Recovery
McGregor suffered a brutal leg break during his bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021, resulting in a medical hiatus.
While many fans anticipated McGregor's return, a potential clash with Michael Chandler added to the excitement. Chandler, who appeared alongside McGregor on the UFC's reality TV series, The Ultimate Fighter, was set to be his opponent. The matchup was scheduled to be a coach-versus-coach showdown, a tradition of the show. However, the bout was postponed, igniting controversy regarding McGregor's status in the testing pool.
Usada, responsible for enforcing anti-doping regulations in the UFC, has strict guidelines regarding fighters' eligibility. Their rules stipulate that a fighter is removed from the testing pool only if they retire, have their contracts terminated, or are formally removed from the pool. McGregor's departure from the testing pool raised questions as his leg injury did not seem to fall within the criteria for removal.
USADA's Statement
In response to McGregor's re-entry into the testing pool, Usada issued a statement emphasizing that there should be no exceptions regarding his return to fighting. They outlined the requirements, stating that McGregor must return two negative tests and remain in the testing pool for at least six months. This strict adherence to protocol underscores Usada's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport.
UFC's Anti-Doping Programme
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