McGregor clear to coach on reality show despite not entering drug testing pool

UFC icon Conor McGregor has been given the all-clear to coach on the Ultimate Fighter despite not re-entering the drug testing pool.

It has been confirmed by the United States Anti-Doping Agency that the Irishman, who has been out of the pool since last October, is not required to re-enter the pool to feature on the new season of the reality show programme. For fighters who wish to compete, however, rules state they must remain in the pool for at least six months and pass two tests before being allowed into the Octagon.

"For all the obvious reasons, coaches are not in our testing pool and there is no requirement for Conor McGregor or other coaches to be in the testing pool just to coach," said a Usada spokesperson. Last week UFC President Dana White confirmed The Notorious One will make his return to action later this year to fight number five ranked lightweight Michael Chandler, who is also set to coach season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.

Under Usada's rules, the earliest McGregor would be eligible to fight if he were to immediately enrol in the pool is August. The Usada spokesperson reiterated: "If there is eventually a plan for the coaches to fight each other, then Conor McGregor would have to be in the testing pool for at least six months and have two negative tests before any fight."

READ MORE: Conor McGregor UFC comeback fight confirmed against Michael Chandler this summer

McGregor has been out of action since July 2021, when he broke his leg during a trilogy bout against rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. No date or venue has been confirmed for the fight, but White says an announcement will be made soon.

"We just confirmed the coaches for season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter," White announced. "Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler will go head-to-head as coaches of The Ultimate Fighter. Team McGregor vs Team Chandler. This season premieres Tuesday May 30 and runs through Tuesday August 15 on ESPN and ESPN+.

"Then at the end of the season McGregor and Chandler will fight live on ESPN+ PPV. I do not have a date or location for that, but we will announce it soon." Since signing with UFC in 2023, Chandler has been keen to fight McGregor and he has now got his wish.

The three-time former Bellator lightweight champion has a 2-3 record in the UFC and fought for the UFC title in just his second bout in the promotion, losing by TKO to Charles Oliveira. Following White’s announcement, an excited Chandler posted on Instagram: “Pumped is an understatement…See you at the top!"

In the clip, Chandler added: "The cat is out the bag! Team Chandler vs Team McGregor, coaching The Ultimate Fighter. "Heading to Las Vegas very soon to film in the same city as my future opponent later on this year, Conor McGregor. My team vs his team. The competition starts right now."

Furthermore, Chandler confirmed his clash with McGregor will take place at 170lb, something the American believes will play into his hands. The former double-champion has piled on the pounds since being out of action and suggested publicly that he would likely return at 170lb after showing off a stocky new physique.

"The fight will be at 170lb that is true," Chandler admitted during an interview on Bussin' with the Boys when discussing his upcoming contest. I'm sitting here at around 190lb right now, I'd love to fight at 170lb. It's fantastic and hopefully it is in Las Vegas.”

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