USADA adds new protocols for re-entering testing pool in the wake of Conor McGregor loophole

In light of the news that Conor McGregor has dropped out of the USADA testing pool, the anti-doping organization has added new protocols that athletes must adhere to before returning to competition.

In an interview with ESPN, USADA Director of Communications Averi Walker stated that McGregor is not enrolled in the testing pool as of November 2022 and would need to be in it for six months before returning to competition unless an exemption is granted, which they do not believe is applicable.

T.J. Dillashaw, who recently underwent shoulder surgery after losing to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280, notified the UFC of his retirement and was immediately removed from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's testing pool.

Several MMA experts and peers have cited a loophole in the drug testing pool. Moreover, the entire situation has raised several questions and speculations that Conor McGregor, who's recovering from a leg injury he sustained in his third fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, has been using performance-enhancing drugs.

MMA reporter Aaron Bronsteter has now provided an update on the new protocols that USADA has added before an athlete re-enters the drug-testing pool. The statement reads:

"In the event of an athlete's return to the UFC from retirement [referring to news of T.J. Dillashaw's retirement], they are required to remain in the USADA testing pool for six months before they are permitted to compete."

The statement further read:

"Upon being added to the UFC Anti-Doping Program, athletes are also required to declare prohibited substances they have used in the previous 12 months, prior to being in USADA's testing program. An athlete who makes such a declaration, depending on the substance, will be required to refrain from competition for a period of at least six months and provide at least two negative samples to ensure that they do not compete in a UFC bout with a performance advantage."

Check out the full statement below:

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T.J. Dillashaw comes out in defense of Conor McGregor amidst news of the Irishman pulling out of the USADA drug-testing pool

Conor McGregor's withdrawal from the USADA drug-testing pool has been a contentious topic of conversation within the MMA community. Several sections of the combat sports community have come out in support of 'The Notorious,' asserting that he is doing everything in his power to return to action as soon as possible, despite the suspicions of others.

According to T.J. Dillashaw, the Irishman made the right call by sitting out to heal from his injuries. Even if Conor McGregor were to utilize forbidden substances for recovery, the former bantamweight champion contended, he still wouldn't be able to use them to his advantage in the cage.

Speaking in a recent appearance on Brendan Schaub's 'Food Truck Diaries'. Dillashaw said:

"His [Conor McGregor] leg is broken in half, and even if he were to take steroids to recover himself, he can’t compete with it in his system. So he’s not gonna have an advantage from taking what he’s taking. All he’s doing is healing. If you’re telling me that a guy can’t heal, who’s gonna make not only himself but the UFC hundreds of millions of dollars, that makes no sense not to. He’s not doing anything wrong.”

Catch Dillashaw's comments (33:30) below: