UFC Star Conor McGregor Signals Return With USADA Update
UFC superstar Conor McGregor has hinted at a potential return after indicating that he has finally submitted his sample for drug testing.
"The Notorious" posted to his Instagram on October 5, alleging that he has submitted his sample to Jeff Novitzky, the Senior VP of Athlete Health & Performance at the UFC, and appeared to insult Michael Chandler in the process:
"...Submitted my stuff to Novitzky. Ball rolling. See you soon you little light work b****," McGregor remarked in the caption.
According to the USADA website, McGregor still isn't a tested athlete in 2023. Though given the recency of his post, we can safely assume it's too early to tell.
What is certain is that McGregor won't be making an octagon appearance in 2023. "The Notorious" missed his USADA deadline back in June, and if he wants to fight this year he'd have to have an exemption under "exceptional circumstances," which would be questionable at best.
USADA employs a policy where athletes returning from retirement must be part of the testing pool for six months before competing. If McGregor has submitted his sample this month, he'll be looking at a UFC return in April 2024 at a minimum.
Michael Chandler: Conor McGregor Fight Definitely Happening, Targeting UFC 300 in 2024
McGregor's slated opponent Michael Chandler has explained that the fight is definitively happening, despite not being booked for a date or location. Chandler spoke on 'The MMA Hour' on October 4, where he outlined what is happening with the matchup:
"The status is, unequivocally, the fight is still happening," Chandler explained. "...It makes sense that there's a very historic card coming up with the UFC. I haven't been told when it's going to be, but I wouldn't be surprised if that's when it is."
Chandler refers to UFC 300, which currently has no disclosed fights, location, or date. As the sport's biggest ever superstar, it makes perfect sense that McGregor would return to headline the monumental card.
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