Conor McGregor has submitted his first drug test since re-joining the UFC’s anti-doping program, with both blood and urine samples collected, while the UFC has announced it will not be extending its deal with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
Conor McGregor has submitted his first drug test since re-joining the UFC’s anti-doping program. After suffering a broken leg in a fight last year, McGregor left the testing program but has now returned and submitted three samples during a recent test administered by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The date of sample collection has not been specified, but both blood and urine were collected.
The announcement of McGregor’s return to the UFC’s anti-doping program coincided with the news that the MMA promotion will not be extending its deal with USADA beyond 2023. USADA CEO Travis Tygart cited the relationship between the organizations becoming “untenable” as one of the reasons for the decision, mentioning McGregor and the required six months of drug testing he needed before being allowed to fight again.
UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell responded to Tygart’s statement by denying any request for McGregor to receive exemption from the mandatory drug testing period. Campbell also criticized USADA for attempting to make McGregor a scapegoat and accused them of advancing a false narrative. He expressed concern about potential legal repercussions for the organization.
While USADA conducted McGregor’s recent drug test, Drug Free Sport International will take over collection duties for the UFC’s anti-doping program starting in 2024. Former FBI agent George Piro will administer the program. The UFC has reassured fighters and managers that there will be no interruption in random, unannounced testing under the new administration.
McGregor re-entered the UFC’s anti-doping program on October 8, making him eligible to compete again on or after April 8, 2024. Although no date or location has been confirmed, he is expected to face Michael Chandler in his comeback fight.