Conor McGregor next fight: Will avoiding USADA affect the UFC star's eligibility to fight this year?

After a prolonged absence, Conor McGregor is poised to make his much-anticipated comeback to the UFC in the near future. His opponent for this hotly anticipated fight in the TUF finale will be none other than former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler.

McGregor has been away from the octagon since suffering devastating injuries to his tibia and fibula during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and subsequently take a break from competitive fighting.

Conor McGregor, a celebrated fighter in the UFC, is celebrating his tenth anniversary in the organization in 2023. However, it has been a long 18 months since fans have had the opportunity to witness his exceptional fighting skills in the Octagon, and it has been over three years since his last victory.

Adding to the confusion surrounding McGregor's return to the sport is his entry into the USADA testing pool in 2023. According to combat sports expert Jed I. Goodman, there is no record of any sample tests from 'The Notorious' in USADA's testing pool for the year. Goodman tweeted:

"As of March 30, Conor McGregor doesn't show any USADA Sample Counts in 2023."

Athletes who withdraw from the sport and make a return must enter the testing pool for six months before participating, according to the testing agency USADA's policy. McGregor has not retired, but has been out with an injury since 2021.

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Beneil Dariush chimes in on Conor McGregor's USADA saga

Top-ranked UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush has shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor's USADA situation, accusing him of cheating. During a recent interview with The Schmo, Dariush made his stance clear, highlighting that 'Mystic Mac' is not complying with USADA's regulations.

The Iranian-born mixed martial artist remarked:

"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. This is BS to be honest with you..... This is garbage. But that's the game."

Check out the entire comment from the 4:53 mark below:

Dariush's comments have added fuel to the fire of the ongoing debate about McGregor's absence from the USADA testing pool. While some fans and experts speculate about McGregor's potential return to the octagon, others are questioning his commitment to the sport and whether he is willing to adhere to the rules and regulations that govern it.