Conor McGregor was supposed to face Michael Chandler at the end of the year. However, after missing the USADA’s deadline to re-register himself, Conor’s UFC comeback is doubtful. Many consider McGregor vs Chandler to be scrapped, and there is no way the former UFC lightweight champion will return to fight in the UFC Octagon in 2023. Surprisingly, UFC President Dana White made a bold statement about Conor McGregor possibly fighting at the end of the year.
UFC President Dana White claims Conor McGregor can still fight at the end of the year
After multiple sources reported Conor McGregor failed to register with USADA, an anti-doping agency, Dana White came up with an exciting statement. During a recent interview with TSN, the UFC President mentioned he doesn’t bother what USADA says, and fans could like to watch the former UFC Champion fight this year.
He said, “One Hundred Percent [There’s a chance Conor McGregor fights this year]. He’s not back [in the USADA Testing Pool]…
The Conor Thing, Who the hell knows how’s that going to play out? Who cares what USADA says, We’ll see what happens when is happens, so I don’t know,” said Dana White.
Although Conor’s return is still doubtful this year, Dana White’s comment has outraged MMA fans. Many fans pointed out special treatment to the Notorious One, and ignoring USADA is not good for the sport.
You can check the fans’ reactions below:
Can McGregor compete without registering in USADA?
Conor McGregor can still fight in 2023 if he is allowed with an exemption. As noted, back in 2016, Brock Lesnar was granted an exemption under the USADA anti-doping program for his fight against Mark Hunt. However, the decision of the match was overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
This exemption could risk another one-year hiatus for McGregor is he gets tested positive for a banned substance despite competing at the end of the year. If UFC considers this a good match, this could take into the picture, and McGregor will be allowed to compete. With just 6 months left to end the year, Dana White has to come up with a solution in order to put McGregor back in the UFC octagon.
What are your thoughts on Dana White’s recent comments on ditching the USADA for Conor McGregor? Tell us in the comments.
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