Conor McGregor to return to USADA testing pool as UFC return gathers pace, could face Michael Chandler in 2024

Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return appears to be gathering momentum as it has been confirmed he is set to return to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing pool.

The 35-year-old hasn’t fought in the UFC since suffering a broken leg in defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

To return to the sport he needs to undergo six months of drug testing before he is cleared to fight, so won’t be back in the ring this year.

However, the prospect of McGregor fighting in 2024 appears to be growing.

Speaking at the UFC Vegas 80 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White said: “No, he is not officially in the USADA pool. He has submitted the paperwork so probably by Monday he will be submitted.

“Again, don't hold me to that but the paperwork is submitted so next week sometime.”

It has been mooted that McGregor could return for UFC 300 in April.

However, White was giving nothing away about what could be in the pipeline.

“I literally have nothing planned with Conor McGregor right now, the paperwork is being submitted.

“We'll play it by ear and see how things work out. There is still a lot of things that have to happen, as far as fights go, then we'll figure out where he is going to land.”

USADA also released a statement about McGregor’s potential return, saying: 'We have recently been in direct contact with Conor McGregor. As he confirmed today in the media, we expect to receive his paperwork coming out of retirement and re-entering the USADA testing pool immediately.

“Like other athletes who come out of retirement, under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, McGregor will be subject to testing for at least six months and must provide at least two negative samples before being permitted to compete.

“The purpose of this rule is to ensure that all athletes who are not subject to a period of testing are adequately tested over a reasonable period of time before competing to ensure a level playing field for all athletes.”

Michael Chandler has been suggested as a potential opponent for McGregor.

The pair coached against each other this year on reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter.

Chandler has said he is confident they will meet in the Octagon.

“The status is, unequivocally, the fight is still happening,” Chandler said earlier this month on The MMA Hour.

“The fight is not booked for a date, the fight is not booked for a venue, but the fight is booked between Chandler and Conor.

"There’s no way Conor comes back and doesn’t fight me. If Conor doesn’t fight me, he’s probably just not coming back, and that’s out of my control. He’s coming back, he’s fighting me.

“At this point, by deductive reasoning, by process of elimination, there’s a main event in December, there’s a main event in November, we’re not going to not be a main event, so that pushes it into 2024.

“I’m ready to fight in January, February, March, April, May, whatever. We’ll see. Obviously, it makes a lot of sense that there’s a very historic card coming up with the UFC. I haven’t been told that’s when it’s going to be, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s when it is. And if it is, I’ve got more and more time to prepare.

“I’ve never had this much time to prepare for one certain guy, one certain opponent. Me and my team, we’re going to put together a game plan and knock this dude out in the first round or two.”

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