SUMMARY
- New update about the UFC's anti-doping database claims Conor McGregor is one of 61 athletes who have been tested.
- McGregor is seemingly clear to make an appearance at UFC 300.
Following UFC’s split with USADA, the MMA promotion has unveiled its first update on its anti-doping database. According to several MMA journalists, over 60 fighters have already been tested. A surprising update about Conor McGregor was also provided in the database.
UFC split with USADA after years of coordination and successful anti-doping policies. The split involved McGregor’s name frequently as USADA felt the UFC was giving him preferential treatment. Ultimately, USADA and UFC terminated their partnership at the end of 2023.
The UFC anti-doping database has released their first-ever update since the end of their partnership with USADA on Dec. 31.
Of the 61 athletes who registered test sessions, two athletes registered more than one session, one of whom is Conor McGregor (*the other is T. Lapilus).
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) January 22, 2024
Since the beginning of 2024, UFC has partnered with Drug Free Sport International (DSFI) for its athlete anti-doping program. Fans are eager to see if this new partnership is as fruitful as the previous one. The latest reports, however, suggest that the anti-doping program has caught pace already.
Could Conor McGregor return at UFC 300 as he is one of only two athletes who have been tested twice?
Aaron Bronsteter took to X to reveal details about UFC’s anti-doping database. He explained that the first-ever update involved information about the Irish fighter.
61 athletes have had registered test sessions. 59 had one test, meanwhile, McGregor and French fighter Taylor Lapilus have had two sessions.
Conor McGregor officially re-entered the drug-testing pool as of Sunday, October 8, USADA announced Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/daxRnTXzxb
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 11, 2023
McGregor has not entered the Octagon for a fight since UFC 264 in July 2021. He was rumored to make a comeback in late 2023. However, that is when the controversy around UFC and USADA arose. USADA claimed that McGregor needed to be in the testing pool for at least six months and return two negative tests before fighting.
McGregor re-entered the pool in October 2023 and he has now had two test sessions. Considering the tests returned negative, Conor McGregor should effectively be able to fight at UFC 300. Fans are eager to watch ‘The Notorious’ back inside the Octagon.
McGregor and Michael Chandler have confirmed a fight at middleweight on June 29, 2024. However, no confirmations have been received from the UFC yet. Moreover, UFC CEO Dana White left fans in more confusion after his latest response.
Dana White claimed McGregor is not ready to return in June 2024
On 2024 New Year’s Eve, McGregor announced his return date. He claimed he would fight Chandler at middleweight during the International Fight Week in June. Chandler has responded to it through several videos on YouTube and fans had reasons to believe that this fight will happen. However, White’s comments have disappointed fans.
🚨| Dana White says Conor McGregor’s fight will be announced as soon as it is signed.#UFC297 #IFC #MMA
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 21, 2024
At the UFC 297 post-fight press conference, White was asked if McGregor’s return in June is confirmed. He said, “No… When Conor’s ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we do.”
McGregor has not fought in almost three years. Fans cannot wait for him to make a comeback, however, the UFC refuses to set a confirmed date for his next Octagon adventure.