McGregor's removal from USADA testing pool leaves UFC return in doubt

UFC president Dana White has confirmed that the fighter is not currently in the USADA testing pool, and hasn't been tested at all this year.

This means that he will be unable to compete any time soon, as fighters need to be registered in the pool for at least six months before they can be cleared to fight. They are also required to pass two tests before they can compete.

A reason hasn't yet been given for McGregor's removal from the pool, but the Irishman hasn't fought in over a year, last entering the octagon in July of 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier (33).

The two-time champion was once one of the most tested athletes in the sport - including 11 tests last year alone - but it's unclear why he has been removed from the pool.

McGregor was once the face of the UFC, propelled to mainstream stardom after he knocked out Jose Aldo in just 13 seconds in 2015 to win the featherweight title.

He would then become the first-ever UFC double champion after beating Eddie Alvarez (38) for the lightweight belt a year later.

Surprisingly, McGregor never defended either of his titles and has 'retired' on three different occasions.

One of the retirements involved a switch to boxing, where he fought Floyd Mayweather (45) in one of the most bought pay-per-view fights of all time at 5.17 million buys.

Fans will be eager to see his return, with 'the Notorious One' calling out a number of fighters while he has been gone, but they will have to remain patient before seeing the Irishman fight again.