Is Conor McGregor cheating to avoid USADA testing? Beneil Dariush weighs in
Conor McGregor is expected to return to competition in 2023, following the upcoming season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' (TUF). If everything goes according to plan, the Irishman will face his rival coach Michael Chandler later this year, assuming he receives clearance from USADA.
McGregor last competed at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he broke his leg in a second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, the Irishman dropped out of the USADA testing pool to recover from the horrific leg injury.
While the protocol mandates McGregor to remain in the testing pool for six months and submit two clean tests, 'The Notorious' has dismissed the requisites. This has prompted fight fans and fellow peers to believe that McGregor is receiving preferential treatment.
UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush weighed in on Conor McGregor's USADA situation, claiming that the Irishman is cheating. Speaking with The Schmo in a recent interview, Dariush stated:
"I think Conor is cheating. In reality....if you want to fix your knee or fix your leg and get certain growth hormones... whatever he's doing. You can get a therapeutic expemption. You can speak to USADA and get a therapeutic exemption. But you can't add extra stuff.... Whatever you are putting in, you to declare it to them and get it figured out."
He added:
"This is BS to be honest with you..... This is garbage. But that's the game."
Conor McGregor recently unleashed a Twitter diatribe against USADA for clarifying that 'The Notorious' will not be granted an exemption and will be required to abide by the guidelines.
Catch Dariush's comments below:
What did Dana White say about Conor McGregor's USADA situation?
Earlier this month, Conor McGregor lashed out at USADA after claiming he had been in touch with the organization and had a meeting arranged over his upcoming return to competition.
USADA was quick to refute McGregor's claim, saying they had not received notice of him coming out of retirement to participate. Conor McGregor immediately resorted to social media, calling USADA a "garbage organization."
Conor McGregor's frustration with USADA continues ahead of his attempted UFC comeback.
Read more: bit.ly/40a7x1K https://t.co/CEDWMoWY42
UFC president Dana White reacted to McGregor's Twitter tirade at the UFC 286 post-fight press conference. He stated:
"Have you ever heard of [UFC Senior VP of Athlete Health and Performance] Jeff Novitzky? Ask him these questions. I don't give a s*** about any of that stuff anymore. That's his problem. I don't get involved in the drug testing situation whatsoever. I know nothing about it, and I don't want to know nothing about it. I leave it to the expert. He's the expert in this thing, and you guys call him and interview him anytime about it."
Catch Dana White's comments below:
Dana White reacts to Conor McGregor's issues with USADA 👀 https://t.co/7utvoCJPI6