Conor McGregor the most drug tested UFC fighter of 2024 as Dana White casts fresh doubt over next fight date

CONOR MCGREGOR is currently the most drug-tested fighter on the UFC roster since the promotion’s ditching of USADA.

The MMA leader severed ties with the United States Anti-Doping Agency last year following an explosive and public row over The Notorious’ proposed return.

INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe UFC separated ties with USADA last year following a public row over Conor McGregor[/caption]

GettyUFC president and CEO Dana White enlisted the services of Drug Free Sport to oversee the promotion’s drug testing[/caption]

INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe Notorious is currently the most drug-tested fighter of 2024[/caption]

The UFC has since teamed up with Drug Free Sport to oversee testing in the promotion, with the partnership beginning on January 1.

And, as of February 15, McGregor is the most-tested fighter in the post-USADA era.

Records show the Irishman has undergone three separate testing sessions, although it’s not clear how many samples he’s provided.

Drug testers can request individual blood or urine samples in testing sessions, although it is common practice for both to be requested in each random visit.

Newly-crowned middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and former titleholder Sean Strickland are two of eight fighters to have been tested twice by the new regime.

McGregor, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier nearly three years ago.

The former two-division champion is set to be welcomed back to action by fellow fan favourite Michael Chandler – his rival coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.

McGregor recently claimed the pair’s long-overdue showdown would close out International Fight Week on June 29.

UFC President and CEO Dana White, however, recently claimed an autumn return was on the cards for the promotion’s poster boy.

But the veteran promoter has cast fresh doubt over the Dubliner’s return by admitting he doesn’t know when he’ll be “ready” to fight again.

He told Kevin Iole: “Only Conor knows [when he’s ready].

“These are questions for Conor McGregor, not me. I know he’s training. I don’t know what level of training he’s doing.

“I don’t know what level of kicking he’s doing right now. I don’t know any of that stuff.

“I need to know the guy’s in a full camp and he’s ready to go. Conor McGregor has a movie coming out.

“He’s got businesses that he’s built. It’s a completely different dynamic when you’re dealing with a guy that has this kind of money.”

McGregor is seemingly back in full training and champing at the bit to get back inside the octagon.

He vented on his Instagram story earlier this month: “Get this f***ing date set.”

GETTYConor McGregor is set to be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael Chandler[/caption]