Conor McGregor teases return to UFC’s drug testing pool in now-deleted tweet as Michael Chandler fight hangs in balance

CONOR MCGREGOR has seemingly teased an imminent return to the UFC’s drug testing pool.

The Irishman has been out of the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s pool since he broke his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier two years ago.

AP

Conor McGregor left the USADA testing pool after breaking his leg[/caption]

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UFC boss Dana White revealed this month that the Irishman wasn’t back in the pool[/caption]

But he appears to have hinted that he’s re-enrolled in the pool

UFC president Dana White revealed earlier this month that McGregor had yet to re-enter the pool – casting doubt on an end-of-year return for the promotion’s poster boy.

But The Notorious, 34, seemingly hinted on Sunday that he’s re-enrolled in the program.

In a since-deleted tweet, the UFC’s poster boy wrote: “Hello, ysada.”

UFC and USADA policy requires athletes re-entering the pool to be enrolled for a minimum of six months before they’re eligible to compete again.

The UFC can, however, grant an exemption to the written notice rule in “exceptional circumstances.”

Team McGregor insists they won’t bend the rules to seal an earlier octagon return.

Manager Audie Attar recently told MMA Junkie: “Conor was one of the most tested athletes when he was competing.

“And we’re going about things the right way.

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“We’re in active discussions with the UFC, we’ve spoken to USADA, and we’re going to do things the right way.

“That’s all I’m going to say about that.

“The thing about Conor McGregor is, people will speculate and stories run wild that are nine times out of 10 very inaccurate and false.

“So that’s all I’ll say about that.

“But certainly, he’s looking for a comeback in 2024.”

McGregor was due to be welcomed back to the cage by former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler – his rival coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter.

But Mystic Mac has seemingly pulled the plug on the fight by turning his attention to Justin Gaethje.

The former two-division champion made a beeline for The Highlight’ after seeing his brutal head-kick KO of Dustin Poirier last weekend.

He tweeted: “I’m the real BMF, he can fight for pennies if he wants but I want spirits.

“I call the shots. I’m in it to launch shots. F**k Chandler. You want it, call for it.”

He added: “Justin I’ll slap you around.”

SunSport has reached out to the United States Anti-Doping Agency for comment.