Conor McGregor’s return set to be delayed until NEXT YEAR as Michael Chandler fears UFC star missed drug test deadline

CONOR McGREGOR faces being sidelined from the UFC until NEXT YEAR due to his drug testing status.

The Irishman has been out since July 2021 when he broke his leg in the opening round against Dustin Poirier.

And in that period of recovery, McGregor has not been in the United States Anti-Doping Agency's all-year round testing pool.

To return, he must complete six months of testing but the former two-weight champion is yet to be added to USADA's online database.

The last UFC pay-per-view of the year is set for December 16, meaning McGregor, 34, would have needed to enrol by June 16.

Chandler, 37, vented his frustration when USADA paid him a visit as his super-fight faces the KO.

He said: "Alright guys, you guys have all seen the news: Conor's not in USADA.

"One hundred and seventy-nine days left until December 16, which is supposed to be the last pay-per-view of the year. 

"And comically, USADA shows up at my door today to add insult to injury. Where you at, boy?"

The pair have coached against each other on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter.

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Reality show TUF sees contenders live, train and fight against each other in a bid to win a UFC contract.

McGregor previously claimed a date for his bout with Chandler would be revealed during the season.

But still no confirmation of even the weight or location has been announced after four episodes.