Conor McGregor has an interview scheduled to discuss his return to the USADA drug testing pool ahead of his comeback fight.
The UFC superstar is set to finally make his octagon comeback this year when he takes on rival Michael Chandler as part of the latest instalment of The Ultimate Fighter. Doubts were raised over his comeback earlier this year when it was revealed McGregor is not currently enrolled in the USADA drug testing pool.
UFC president Dana White later confirmed fighters are required to be enrolled in the pool for at least six months prior to competing in the cage. It remains unclear if McGregor could exploit a loophole in the system to return to competition earlier, given he made a recovery from a broken leg.
In a fresh update on his status, McGregor has insisted plans are being put in place by his team to ensure he is enrolled in time for his planned comeback fight. "I'm not rushing anything," McGregor said during an appearance on the MMA Hour when asked about his USADA testing status. "There's hurdles and what not, but we're in constant communication.
"There is also an interview scheduled and a meeting happens and then it will be official. But the six months thing, what they had said was two clean tests and off I go, so I assume it won't be too long."
McGregor appears to be in no rush to enter the USADA testing pool again suggesting it is all in hand, which could complicate his target timeframe to return in the summer. However this could be altered if McGregor is able to qualify to exemption from the six-month rule which would see him fast-tracked to return.
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A date and venue are yet to be confirmed for McGregor's showdown with Chandler, despite the pair having already been in Las Vegas for several weeks to complete the coaching stint of The Ultimate Fighter competition. One detail that is closer to reality appears to be that the fight will be held at 170lb following the 34-year-old's significant weight increase.
McGregor's last win came at the same weight against Donald Cerrone in 2020, and it appears he is now open to the possibility of competing in the division again. And the former double-champion has insisted his goal is to move forward and fight for the title, which is currently held by Leon Edwards.
"I'd like a welterweight title shot," McGregor continued. "So I would like that. I am definitely ready for 170lb. "I'd like to see myself in there again and see what happens with that division. I'd like to get in and see what's going on in there. I may be present for the card [Edwards v Usman 3], we are making moves at the Black Forge in London. It would be good to watch that welterweight title for sure.”
