Conor McGregor is once again making headlines, albeit on this occasion it’s because he hasn’t undergone a drugs test since the third quarter of 2021.

McGregor has not been tested by the United States Anti-Doping Agency since the aforementioned date above and it’s raising eyebrows.

This interesting development has increased doubts as to whether or not the Irishman is even enrolled on the UFC’s anti-doping programme ahead of his supposed return in early 2023.

‘Notorious’ hasn’t fought since July of last year, where he lost to Dustin Poirier via TKO by way of doctor’s stoppage due to a broken leg, an injury he’s making his way back from.

Since then, McGregor is still training and also dipping his feet into other ventures, such as filming a remake of Road House alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

However, he is indeed planning a return to the Octagon and his manager believes we will see him fighting again in the first quarter of 2023, but the lack of testing by the USADA is baffling to say the least.

Conor McGregor

No USADA testing for McGregor

Normally, inactive fighters or those on a long break are still tested on a fairly regular basis, but the information published on the USADA’s website confirms McGregor has not been tested at all in 2022, something that doesn't seem right, especially going on how hot they are on this type of thing.

Last year, the Irishman was drug tested throughout, which is absolutely normal. According to the Daily Mail's report, McGregor had as many as 10 tests in the first half of the year, before just the lone test in the third quarter. However since then, he's had none.

When an athlete is enrolled into the UFC’s anti-doping programme, they can be subjected to urine and/or blood collections both in and out of competition. This can happen at anytime.

If we were to compare inactive fighters round now with McGregor, a certain Jon Jones hasn’t fought since 2020, but has been tested three times since his previous outing under the bright lights of the UFC.

How USADA testing works

Fighters can be tested whenever. They don't need to have a fight lined up, nor does it have to happen immediately after the fight. They also have to let the USADA know of their movements, as well as having to show them their daily schedule.

As you can see, the programme is a strict but fair way of keeping track of fighters and their overall activity and behaviour.

USADA have published the data about the history of every fighters’ tests. McGregor has been tested more than five times every year since he signed for the company, except for in 2022.

It must be stated that there is no indication at all that the lack of USADA testing of McGregor since the third quarter of last year means he is taking substances forbidden by the UFC.

Conor McGregor

If he is not enrolled in the drugs testing programme, he will have to re-enter it for six months before he is even allowed to step foot inside the Octagon again.

On the basis of that story, one could assume that McGregor may not be fighting in the first quarter of 2023 after all.