Conor McGregor expected to be back in USADA drug-testing pool "immediately"

After a significant period of absence from the UFC, McGregor is on the verge of making his highly anticipated comeback to the octagon. His opponent for this eagerly awaited fight, set to take place in the finale of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), will be none other than the formidable Michael Chandler.

Conor McGregor's recent physical transformation has sparked widespread speculation and even raised eyebrows among officials at the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

The Irishman's absence from the fighting scene stemmed from the severe injuries he sustained to his tibia and fibula during his memorable trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. The devastating injury necessitated surgical intervention, forcing McGregor to take a hiatus from competitive fighting as he focused on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Adding to the intrigue surrounding Conor McGregor's return to the sport is his recent inclusion in the USADA testing pool for the year 2023. However, recent reports have indicated a lack of any recorded sample tests from McGregor within the USADA's testing pool for this year.

Despite Conor McGregor's claims of being back in the USADA testing pool and having no issues with them, the reality seems to tell a different story. Based on recent reports from MMA journalist Marc Raimondi, the United States Anti-Doping Agency has stated that 'The Notorious' was expected to reenter the drug-testing pool "immediately," indicating that there may be discrepancies between McGregor's assertions and the actual status of his participation in the testing program:

"Conor McGregor is expected back in the USADA drug-testing pool 'immediately,' per USADA."

As per the policy of the USADA, athletes who retire from their sport and subsequently make a comeback are required to enter the testing pool for a period of six months before they can participate in the competition. Although 'Mystic Mac' has not officially retired from the sport, he has been absent from contention since 2021 due to an injury.

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Conor McGregor intends to smash the UFC's most KO record

Conor McGregor has made a bold claim regarding a UFC record following Matt Brown's recent achievement. During recent the UFC Charlotte event, Brown tied the UFC record for the most knockouts (13) alongside Derrick Lewis.

'The Notorious', seizing the opportunity, took to Twitter to assert that at the age of 34, he already boasts eight knockout victories in the UFC. He then vowed to surpass both Lewis and Brown's records before retiring from his UFC career:

"Matt Brown, at 42 years of age, now holds the joint highest KO’s inside the UFC with 13KO’s. Him and “The Beast” Lewis are tied. I hold 8 KO’s inside the UFC currently, at 34 years of age. I’m getting this record."

Check out the social media post below:

McGregor's assertion is not unfounded, considering that out of his 10 victories in the UFC, eight of them have come by way of knockout. Therefore, achieving a total of 13 knockouts is certainly within reach for the Irishman. However, several factors may impede the former double champ's pursuit of this goal, with one notable obstacle being his recent inactivity inside the octagon.