Dana White Reacts To Conor McGregor-USADA Drug Testing Drama

Getty Image

UFC President Dana White wants no part of the Conor McGregor-USADA beef.

During an appearance on Arial Helwani’s The MMA hour, McGregor said that he only needed two clean drug tests before returning to the cage and didn’t have to sit out six months once he reenters the USADA pool.

“Yeah, I mean, it just, it’s, I’m not rushing nothing right? So there’s there’s hurdles and whatnot, but we’re in contact. We’re in constnt communication and there’s a meeting there’s an interview scheduled and a meeting happen and then it will be official,” Conor replied.

“Okay, so, but the six month thing is… what they had said was is two clean tests,” McGregor continued, while looking off camera at something for what appeared to be verfication. “and, uh, off I go.

USADA immediately reacted to McGregor’s comments and said they would recommend that McGregor sit out 6 months once he reenters the USADA testing pool.

“The UFC rules are clear that, in addition to two negative tests, an athlete must make themself available for testing six months before returning to competition. This is a fair way to ensure an athlete does not use the retirement status to gain an unfair advantage by using prohibited substances during the retirement period, which would enhance their performance unfairly if they ultimately decide to return to competition. While the rules permit the UFC to make an exception to the six-month rule in exceptional circumstances, when the strict application of the rule would be manifestly unfair to the athlete, our position, which we have made clear, is that Conor should be in the testing pool for the full six-month period.”

During a UFC 286 press scrum, White was asked about the Conor-USADA drama, and he told reporters that he was staying out of it.

“I have no idea. I don’t pay any attention to that s—,” said White. “That’s not my job anymore, and I’m happy to be out of it. Talk to USADA, I have no idea. I want nothing to do with the whole drug testing side of this business. It’s a f—-ing nightmare.”