UFC president Dana White has distanced himself from a row between Conor McGregor and drug-testing organisation USADA.
McGregor announced earlier this year that he would be making his comeback against Michael Chandler after nearly two years out of action following his broken leg. However a date and venue was not confirmed for the showdown after it was revealed the Irishman has not yet enrolled in the USADA drug-testing pool - which fighters need to be part of for six months before competing.
A row escalated between USADA and McGregor last week after the organisation confirmed in a statement that McGregor would likely need to wait six-months despite his intentions to pursue potential loopholes. He hit out at the organisation in an angry song he made on Twitter, before claiming the company is "in the bin".
Despite Dana White previously stating the organisation's stance on 'The Notorious' he no longer wants to become a part of the escalating feud. “Have you ever heard of Jeff Novitzky? Ask him these questions," White said at the UFC 286 post-fight press conference when asked about McGregor's USADA status. "I don’t give a s**t about any of that stuff anymore. That’s his problem.
"I don’t get involved in the drug testing situation whatsoever. I know nothing about it, and I don’t want to know nothing about it. I leave it to the expert. He’s the expert in this thing, and you guys call him and interview him anytime about it.”
McGregor is not yet enrolled in the pool, but suggested earlier in the month that he has enquired about how to re-enrol and had a meeting scheduled. However his plan quickly went up in smoke with several targeted dates being considered including in July for his showdown with Chandler.
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USADA released a statement to reaffirm their position on McGregor's status, which read: "While we meet with all athletes who enter or re-enter the testing pool, we do not currently have a meeting set with Conor and, as of today, we have not received notice of his coming out of retirement to compete.
"The UFC rules are clear that, in addition to two negative tests, an athlete must make themself available for testing for six months before returning to competition. This is a fair way to ensure an athlete does not use the retirement status to gain an unfair advantage by using prohibited substances during the retirement period, which would enhance their performance unfairly if they ultimately decide to return to competition.
"While the rules permit the UFC to make an exception to the six-month rule in exceptional circumstances, when the strict application of the rule would be manifestly unfair to the athlete, our position, which we have made clear, is that Conor should be in the testing pool for the full six-month period."
