20 Days After Conor McGregor Missed USADA Deadline, Dana White Gives a One-Word Update on His Fight With Michael Chandler

The comeback of former two-weight champion Conor McGregor is presently the talk of the MMA world. During his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in 2021, ‘The Notorious’ sustained a terrible leg break. McGregor has been out of action since then. However, it was earlier revealed that the Irish superstar has healed and would headline a pay-per-view versus Michael Chandler this year.

But, like any other MMA athlete, McGregor must enter the USADA testing pool six months before his match. The deadline for the same was June 16th, and according to sources, he did not enter testing.

Thus, the chances of McGregor returning this year are extremely slim. Nevertheless, 20 days after Conor did not enter the testing, the UFC supremo Dana White has stated that the fight is happening.

Dana White talks about Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

Fight fans are eagerly waiting for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler ever since it was announced. Both also completed the new TUF season which has already aired. And their fierce rivalry on the show is only adding excitement to their said fight.

Interestingly, giving hopes to fans, UFC boss Dana White in an interview with Aaron Bronsteter sounded optimistic about the fight. When asked if the two are fighting this year, White gave a one-word answer. He said:

“100%”

 

Dana White provides an update on McGregor vs. Chandler.

McGregor is still yet to re-enter the USADA pool, but is still holding out hope that the fight happens this year. pic.twitter.com/UEVugjEN9H

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) July 6, 2023

It’s worth noting that even White is aware that McGregor missed the USADA deadline. Despite this, UFC president Dana White spoke in favor of ‘The Notorious’ and took a swipe at USADA in the interview. White said:

“I am focused on what’s happening this Saturday and then the next Saturday and you know what I mean. UFC 300 isn’t even in mind right now, the Conor Thing who the hell knows how that’s gonna play out, who cares what USADA says, we’ll see what happens when it happens.”

If this bout takes place, it will be McGregor’s first fight in almost two years. It is also one of the most important battles in Chandler’s UFC career. And he has hopes in UFC to make it happen.

Chandler believes UFC will propel the fight

Michael Chandler has been training hard for his fight since it was announced. He also appears to be in fantastic shape, which is understandable given that McGregor brings massive paydays even for his opponents.

However, the fight has been hampered by the USADA deadline. But Chandler is optimistic that the UFC will resolve the situation. Chandler recently tweeted a video in which he stated that the UFC will keep to their plan.

He also stated that the fight card for this year’s all-pay-per-view event has yet to be released. They are slated to battle in the last PPV in December. As a result, he is keenly awaiting any formal statement from UFC.