Chandler calls out McGregor for ducking USADA testing

Michael Chandler. Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Chandler calls out Conor McGregor for ducking USADA testing

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 6/21/23

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is supposed to fight No. 5-ranked lightweight contender Michael Chandler at the conclusion of their season coaching on “The Ultimate Fighter 31.”

The problem, however, is that before McGregor can fight in the octagon again, he must undergo six months of drug testing under the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. So far, he has yet to rejoin the USADA testing pool, meaning the earliest he and Chandler could fight would be Dec. 21, days after the UFC’s final 2023 pay-per-view event, which doesn’t sit right with Chandler.

“Conor’s not in USADA,” Chandler said in a video posted on his Twitter account. “One-hundred and seventy nine days left until Dec. 16, which is supposed to be the last pay-per-view of the year. Comically, USADA shows up at my door today to add insult to injury. Where you at, boy?”

Just so everyone knows… #usada is here at my house…blood and urine like the majority of my tests in the the last 3 years.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) June 21, 2023

Though a potential McGregor-Chandler fight seems plausible for early 2024, there is the rare possibility that USADA could grant McGregor an exemption from the six-month testing window.

Per the agency’s bylines, an exemption can be granted “in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an Athlete provided that in either instance the athlete provides a minimum of two negative samples before returning to competition.”

McGregor’s last fight came nearly two years ago against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 at UFC 264. McGregor lost via second-round doctor stoppage when he planted his foot awkwardly after throwing a jab, rolling his ankle and suffering a broken left leg.

Chandler fought last November — also losing to Poirier — although his defeat was by a third-round submission in a bout that earned him Fight of the Night honors.

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