Conor McGregor’s UFC return could be delayed by SIX MONTHS as USADA release statement | The Sun

CONOR McGREGOR is facing a six-month delay to his UFC return, as per a statement from USADA.

McGregor has been talking up his return to action after healing from a horrific leg break he suffered during his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

McGregor tweeted last Wednesday: "I am clear for testing in February.

"I will complete my two tests per USADA and we are booking a fight."

According to talkSPORT, however, Notorious is yet to re-enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency and must be in it for six months before he can be booked to fight inside the Octagon.

A UFC fighter can be granted an exception from this rule by Dana White's promotion so they can return sooner, and they have done it in the past.

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In that case, the MMA athlete would have to pass just two drug tests before getting back into the Octagon.

However, that is not the case with McGregor as USADA’s director of communications Averi Walker doesn’t believe the Irish superstar is eligible for an exception.

Walker told ESPN: “McGregor is not enrolled in our testing pool and would have to be for six months unless an exception is granted, which we do not think would be applicable."

When asked if McGregor would have to be in the drug testing pool for six months before returning, UFC president White said: "Yeah [he'll have to be in it for six months].

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And after being asked if the 34-year-old "can't return for six months", he added: "Yeah."

McGregor was expected to return to action in the autumn but recently revealed his kicking is not quite 100 per cent.

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