Conor McGregor still NOT in USADA testing pool, insists Dana White

Fans are eagerly awaiting news on Conor McGregor‘s UFC return but there are a number of doubts that still remain. According to Dana White, the Irishman is still yet to enter the USADA testing pool despite many believing that the former two-division champion was back following a recent social media post.

Earlier this week, ‘The Notorious’ intended to silence the doubters after stating that “stuff” has been provided to Jeff Novitzsky and the “ball is rolling” on his long-awaited comeback. 

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While fans began getting excited and calculating when his potential return to the octagon could take place, Dana White has shot that down by saying nothing is in the works for the Dublin native at present. During the UFC Vegas 80 post-fight press conference, White revealed that there is a long process that needs to unfold before the megastar is officially back into the testing pool.

“No, he is not officially in the USADA pool. He submitted the paperwork. Probably by Monday, he’ll be submitted. And again, don’t hold me to that but the paperwork is submitted. Next week sometime.” Said Dana White when asked about McGregor’s return to the USADA testing pool. “I literally have nothing planned with Conor McGregor right now. The paperwork is being submitted, we’ll play it by ear [and] see how things work out. There’s still a lot of things that have to happen. And as far as fights go. Then we’ll decide where he’s gonna land.”

Comeback rumors have persisted since it was announced he would coach on this past season of The Ultimate Fighter. Following TUF, he was thought to be locking horns with Michael Chandler but that bout still hasn’t come to fruition.

Related: Conor McGregor says USADA is keeping him from his ‘livelihood’

Both McGregor and Chandler have spoken openly about wanting that fight to happen, but as the mixed martial arts landscape continues to change each and every day, it’s uncertain what the 35-year-old’s career looks like going forward.

Although there is a lot of doubt about whether the veteran will make a return to combat sports, Joe Rogan has stated that he believes in McGregor’s ability to make his UFC return.  Dana White is also hopeful and you can see his and others entire UFC Vegas 80 post-fight press conference in the video below.