Is Conor McGregor back in USADA pool yet? The Irishman gives an update on current status
Conor McGregor's return to the octagon will come against Michael Chandler later this year. There has been plenty of speculation that his return could be delayed due to his removal from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing pool. The former double champ recently shared that may not be the case.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, 'The Notorious' stated:
"I'm not rushing nothing. There's hurdles and what not, but we're in contact, we're in constant communication, and there's an interview scheduled and a meeting happens and then it will be official, but the six month thing - what they had said was it's two clean tests and off I go, so that's why I assume it won't be too long."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments on USADA below:
Conor McGregor talks USADA.
#TheMMAHour https://t.co/LhLgVsvmqU
McGregor was not tested by USADA throughout 2022 as he removed himself from the testing pool. There had been plenty of speculation that the removal was due to steroid usage as the former double champ was recovering from the broken leg he suffered at UFC 264. While it was presumed that 'The Notorious' would need six months in the testing pool before returning, he seemingly insinuated that it was not the case.
Check out Conor McGregor's full appearance on The MMA Hour below:
Conor McGregor's return: 'The Notorious' claims he is too skilled for Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor will make his highly-anticipated return to the octagon at some point this year. Despite spending nearly two years away from the octagon recovering from a broken leg, the former double champ doesn't believe Michael Chandler is ready for his skillset. While speaking on the My Mom's Basement with Robbie Fox podcast, he said:
"For Chandler, I'm just too slick for him. I'm too skilled for him and he's not fought someone like me. I've fought someone like him though. It's the mixed martial arts style. The short wrestler, it's just kind of MMA, isn't it? It ain't nothing peculiar or unsure of. I've fought against that style many, many years."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments on Michael Chandler below (starting at the 2:10 mark):
McGregor added that he is planning to show Chandler the difference in skill level between the UFC and Bellator, where the latter was a three-time champion. The pair are set to coach opposing sides on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter before meeting in the octagon. While there has not been a date or location set for the bout, all signs have indicated that it will take place at 170 pounds. The Ultimate Fighter will debut on May 30 and will air on ESPN.