Dana confirms McGregor out of anti-doping program, but does not rule out the Irishman's return in 2023

C. McGregor has been away from the UFC since July 2021. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The soap opera involving the return of Conor McGregor to the octagon seems to be far from having a final chapter, but, at least according to Dana White, it could be closed in 2023.

In an interview with 'TSN' last Thursday (6), the UFC president confirmed that Conor McGregor is still outside the USADA testing program, but revealed that he does not rule out a return for the Irishman this year.

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“He is not back in the USADA testing program. 100% (there is a chance of Conor McGregor fight in 2023)”, said Dana White.

According to USDA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) regulations, an inactive fighter must remain in the testing program for six months and present a minimum of two negative samples before being able to return to competition. With this, it would be impossible for Conor McGregor, which has not yet been reintegrated into the testing program, would return in 2023.

The partnership between USADA and UFC, however, provides for possible exceptions to this rule, as was the case with Brock Lesnar at UFC 200. In 2016, the giant heavyweight (up to 120,2kg) received an exception to compete in the historic event even without the minimum testing time. After the fight, Lesnar tested positive for a banned substance and won the victory over Mark Hunt changed to 'No Result'.

Conor McGregor has been away from competitions since the defeat in the trilogy against Dustin poirier, in July 2021, when he suffered a serious leg injury.

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