Michael Chandler’s patience is wearing thin as doubts arise regarding his scheduled fight with Conor McGregor in 2023. Currently serving as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31, Chandler and McGregor were expected to face off in a welterweight bout later this year. However, concerns have emerged due to reports that McGregor has yet to re-enter the USADA testing program and recent sexual assault allegations against him.
Expressing his frustration, Chandler took to social media to share a brief video addressing the situation. He highlighted McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing pool, rendering him ineligible to compete before the end of 2023. With 179 days remaining until the supposed last pay-per-view of the year on December 16, Chandler humorously mentioned that USADA had shown up at his door that day, adding insult to injury. He ended his video by questioning McGregor’s whereabouts with the phrase, “Where you at, boy?”
McGregor has now officially exceeded the mandatory six-month period required for a fighter to return to competition after leaving the USADA pool. The former two-division champion has been out of action since suffering a leg injury against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, resulting in a recovery period that exempted him from testing. McGregor deemed it unnecessary to continue being tested during his rehabilitation.
While there is a possibility that USADA might grant McGregor an exemption from the six-month testing window, it remains unclear on what grounds such an exception would be reasonable. USADA’s regulations state that an athlete who has retired or ended their contractual relationship with the UFC due to self-imposed inactivity must provide written notice and make themselves available for testing for six months before returning to competition. However, UFC may grant exemptions to this rule in exceptional circumstances or when strict application would be unjust to the athlete, provided that the athlete provides a minimum of two negative samples before resuming competition.
Filming for TUF 31, featuring Chandler and McGregor as coaches, concluded earlier this year. Throughout the aired episodes, Team Chandler has achieved a flawless 4-0 record in the competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, UFC, doubts, fight, testing, sexual assault allegations
Q: What is the current status of the Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler fight scheduled for 2023?
A: There are doubts surrounding the fight due to concerns regarding Conor McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing program and recent sexual assault allegations against him. Michael Chandler has expressed his skepticism about the fight happening as planned.
Q: Why is Conor McGregor not in the USADA testing pool?
A: McGregor is not in the USADA testing pool because he has exceeded the mandatory six-month period required for a fighter to return to competition after leaving the pool. This is due to his leg injury and subsequent rehabilitation, during which he saw no need for continued testing.
Q: Is there a possibility of McGregor receiving an exemption from the testing requirements?
A: While there is a possibility, it is unclear on what grounds an exemption could be granted. The USADA may consider exemptions in exceptional circumstances or when the strict application of the rules would be unjust to the athlete. However, the athlete must provide a minimum of two negative samples before resuming competition.
Q: What is the current situation with The Ultimate Fighter 31 and the coaching roles of McGregor and Chandler?
A: McGregor and Chandler are currently serving as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31. Filming for the season has already concluded, with Team Chandler holding a 4-0 record in the competition aired so far.
Q: How are the doubts about the fight affecting Michael Chandler?
A: Michael Chandler has expressed frustration and impatience with the doubts surrounding the fight. He has questioned McGregor’s whereabouts and eligibility, emphasizing his own readiness to compete.
Q: What are the concerns regarding Conor McGregor’s recent sexual assault allegations?
A: The concerns stem from the serious nature of the allegations. These allegations have raised questions about McGregor’s ability to participate in the fight and the potential impact on his reputation and legal situation.
More about Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler, UFC, doubts, fight, testing, sexual assault allegations
- Conor McGregor’s Official UFC Profile
- Michael Chandler’s Official UFC Profile
- The Ultimate Fighter Official Website
- USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) Official Website
- UFC Anti-Doping Policy
