Conor McGregor is officially returning to the USADA testing pool after the anti-doping organization confirmed the UFC legend submitted samples ahead of his return

Conor McGregor has officially returned to USADA’s testing pool, with the UFC star providing his first samples to the anti-doping organization in over two years.

McGregor’s re-entry into the testing pool was seen as an important part of his preparations for a return to the Octagon.

As part of the UFC’s partnership with USADA, MMA stars are required to have been in the testing pool for six months.

USADA announced its re-entry earlier this month. Statistics from the organization now confirm that McGregor completed a “test session”.

The 35-year-old provided USADA with three samples during the testing session.

Conor McGregor has officially returned to the USADA testing pool as his comeback draws closer

USADA has confirmed that McGregor submitted three samples during a testing session

McGregor announced on social media earlier this month that he had been tested on his yacht.

“I was tested twice yesterday, within an hour. Blood and urine,” he wrote on X.

“Three samples were requested and handed over in both cases.” They came on board my yacht. I welcomed them.

“I gave them a can of @ForgedStout and a @ProperWhiskey. Life is good.’

McGregor hasn’t fought in the Octagon since July 2021, when he was beaten for the second time by Dustin Poirier and suffered a broken leg.

McGregor’s next opponent has yet to be announced, but the Irish MMA star has apparently halted preparations for a return after being spotted training.

There were rumors that “The Notorious” would face Michael Chandler before the end of the year, but that won’t happen until April 2024 at the earliest due to USADA rules.

Chandler has been urging McGregor to get back in the pool since he took on his upcoming opponent as a trainer rival on the final season of The Ultimate Fighter.

UFC boss Dana White’s plan was for the two to collide at the end of the season, but McGregor’s delay in returning to action has pushed back the planned clash.

McGregor has not fought in the Octagon since July 2021, when he was beaten by Dustin Poirier

McGregor’s return to the USADA testing pool has sparked controversy, with the agency expressing doubts about whether he will complete the full six months required before returning to the Octagon.

USADA also confirmed earlier this month that its contract with the UFC would not be renewed.

“We have made it clear to the UFC that the UFC should not grant an exemption for McGregor to fight until he has returned two negative tests and has been in the pool for at least six months.”

“The rules also allow USADA to keep someone in the testing pool longer before they compete based on their declarations upon entry into the pool and test results.”

“Unfortunately, we do not know at this time whether the UFC will ultimately comply with the six-month or longer requirement as USADA will no longer be involved in the UFC’s anti-doping program effective January 1, 2024.”

“Despite a positive and productive contract extension meeting in May 2023, the UFC made an about-face and informed USADA on Monday, October 9, that it was moving in a different direction.”