Conor McGregor stands out as the most rigorously tested fighter under the UFC’s revamped anti-doping protocol, signaling his potential return to the octagon amid ongoing speculation.
Since January 1, McGregor has undergone five drug tests, surpassing any other fighter who has been tested more than twice.
The former UFC champion has been vocal this week about his eagerness to resume fighting after his last bout in 2021. However, despite his public statements, the UFC has yet to formally confirm his comeback.
While promoting his acting debut in the film “Road House,” McGregor has used the platform to urge the UFC to announce a fight date officially. It’s widely anticipated that the 35-year-old will face American fighter Michael Chandler upon his return.
McGregor’s decision to withdraw from the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (Usada) testing pool after his defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021 stirred controversy. Following this, the UFC terminated its partnership with Usada and established a collaboration with Drug Free Sport International for their anti-doping efforts.
Under the oversight of Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), the UFC’s anti-doping program has seen its first athlete suspension in this new era. American heavyweight Walt Harris has been handed a 48-month ban for two separate anti-doping violations occurring in July and August last year.