Conor McGregor‘s plans to participate in UFC 296 have been hindered due to a missed deadline for enrollment in a six-month drug testing pool, despite his hopes for an exception from the UFC or help from the Nevada Athletic Commission.
Conor McGregor recently expressed uncertainty over his potential fight at UFC 296, noting that despite his eagerness, the chances of the fight happening may be slim. This statement serves as a backtrack from his earlier declaration where he revealed he would likely fight Michael Chandler, his opposing coach on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31’, at the December 16 pay-per-view event. However, he later stated in a series of voice notes, “They’re not going to let me fight in December, ladies and gentleman.”
These messages were released less than 24 hours after UFC President Dana White dismissed the possibility of a December match, indicating that McGregor’s return would be pushed to early next year. Initially, UFC 296 was considered as the expected venue for the McGregor vs. Chandler bout. However, McGregor missed the cutoff to enter a six-month drug testing pool governed by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, a prerequisite set by the UFC’s anti-doping partner.
While McGregor could potentially be granted an exemption from the testing window, such a move would require precedent, such as when Brock Lesnar was allowed to fight at UFC 200 following his return from retirement. This exemption, however, led to Lesnar’s failure of a drug test, resulting in a subsequent one-year suspension for the former heavyweight champ. McGregor expressed hopes the Nevada Athletic Commission, which oversees combat sports in Nevada, UFC’s home state, would assist him. Unfortunately, Bob Bennett, the official who once helped McGregor obtain a boxing license, retired from the commission in 2021.
Despite these setbacks, McGregor remains optimistic and expressed readiness for the potential Dec. 16 fight before questioning his current predicament. Dana White had previously identified Chandler as McGregor’s next opponent, following McGregor’s callout to Justin Gaethje after Gaethje’s knockout of his three-time rival, Dustin Poirier. McGregor had his sights set on fighting Chandler, Gaethje, and a Trilogy bout with his two-time opponent Nate Diaz.