Conor McGregor’s UFC Testing: Twice the Norm for Irish MMA Star
Conor McGregor is currently the most frequently drug-tested fighter under the UFC’s new anti-doping regime, with the Irishman having undergone five tests since January 1. This number exceeds the testing frequency of any other fighter, with no other athlete having been tested more than twice during the same period.
Despite not having fought since 2021, McGregor has been vocal about his intention to return to fighting, expressing his desire to compete again this summer. However, the UFC has yet to officially announce his comeback.
During promotional events for his acting debut in the film “Road House,” McGregor has taken the opportunity to urge the UFC to confirm a fight date for him. It is widely speculated that McGregor will face American fighter Michael Chandler upon his return to the octagon.
McGregor’s decision to remove himself from the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s (Usada) testing pool following his loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021 raised eyebrows within the MMA community. However, he re-entered the anti-doping program last year after recovering from a broken leg sustained during the fight with Poirier.
The UFC has recently transitioned from its partnership with Usada to collaborating with Drug Free Sport International for anti-doping protocols. Under the oversight of Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), heavyweight Walt Harris became the first UFC athlete to receive a suspension under the new era, receiving a 48-month ban for two separate anti-doping violations occurring in July and August of the previous year.
