The Irishman’s return to the UFC ring could end the anti-doping organization’s contract negotiations.
Conor McGregor wants to fight again in the UFC. EPA / AOP
The martial arts legend who last fought in the UFC in the summer of 2021 Conor McGregor is again closer to the expected return.
The United States Anti-Doping Organization (USADA), which is responsible for the UFC’s doping control, revealed in its latest announcement that the 35-year-old fighter returned to its testing program on Sunday. Therefore, McGregor could fight in the UFC in six months at the earliest, if he gives two negative results in doping tests during that time.
USADA hints at the possibility that the grace period may last longer for him. McGregor’s situation has raised questions, as the man did not take a single test during 2022.
There is one more big “but” in the situation. In the same press release, USADA says that the negotiations for an extension of the contract with the UFC have experienced a complete reversal. McGregor’s test period may be as empty as the contract between USADA and UFC expires at the end of the year and no extension seems to be coming.
– Despite the fruitful negotiations in May 2023, the UFC said on Monday that it will go in a different direction, the release states.
USADA mentions that McGregor’s half-year monitoring program contributed to the negotiations falling through. The organization considers it important that the UFC remains clean and healthy for the athletes, and McGregor would not necessarily have passed the tests.
Stopping the return of McGregor, who is one of the biggest names in freestyle wrestling, due to doping tests would be a tangible blow to the UFC in terms of money.
– Athletes’ health and safety and equal starting points are much more important to USADA than momentary financial gains at the expense of athletes’ health.
The collaboration between USADA and the UFC is therefore coming to an end after eight years together on December 31st.