Conor McGregor once again has the MMA world buzzing, but this time he might actually be closer to a return.
McGregor had been expected to fight Michael Chandler before the end of 2023. That was the UFC’s hope, but things hit a snag as the “Notorious” one missed the deadline to re-enter the USADA testing pool. As a result, McGregor will have to wait until 2024 to step back inside the Octagon.
The good news for the UFC, fight fans, and Chandler is that McGregor appears to be on the verge of being eligible to fight once again.
Conor McGregor Re-Entering USADA Testing Pool?
In an Instagram post, Conor McGregor claims to have sent his “stuff” to Jeff Novitzky, the UFC’s Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance. This implies that McGregor is set to re-enter the USADA testing pool imminently.
“Find my targets,” McGregor wrote. “Hit them. F*ck the consequences. You’re going down. This is fighting. Sparring day with slick @grozdevnikolay. Always a banger of a spar with the slick fella. Submitted my stuff to Novitzky. Ball rolling, see you soon you little light work b*tch.”
McGregor has not competed in a UFC fight since July 2021. He suffered brutal fractures of his tibia and fibula. How he looks upon his return will be a major talking point within the MMA community.
Not only did McGregor hint that he was making his return, but he also blasted Michael Chandler in the caption. Chandler recently appeared on “The MMA Hour” and said that even a fully focused version of Conor McGregor will be knocked out in their fight.
With McGregor seemingly gearing up for eligibility, perhaps fight fans can rest a bit easier. Of course, some will remain skeptical of “Mystic Mac’s” return until he officially re-enters the testing pool and is inside the Octagon staring down his opponent. UFC CEO Dana White has insisted that McGregor’s next opponent will indeed be Chandler.
