Conor McGregor and his impending return to the octagon has the realm of UFC buzzing with excitement. However, the fighter’s ongoing dispute with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) is casting a shadow over his comeback.
Despite recovering from a career-threatening leg injury, McGregor has yet to yield to the USADA’s standard procedures and re-enter their testing pool, raising apprehensions about potential steroid use.
This debate has not gone unnoticed by other fighters, including the number 4 ranked lightweight contender Beneil Dariush. Dariush expressed his frustration with McGregor’s position in a recent interview with famous MMA media personality ‘The Schmo,’ accusing the former double champion of cheating.
Conor McGregor & Muscle Mystery: Beneil Dariush Accuses Him of Steroid Use and Dodging USADA Testing Regulations
Dariush noted that McGregor had put on a significant amount of muscle during his recovery, which could invite suspicions of steroid use. The USADA allows for therapeutic exemptions in certain cases, but McGregor has not sought one, leading Dariush to believe he is hiding something.
“You can’t add extra stuff,” Dariush stated. “Whatever you’re putting in, you have to declare it with them and get it figured out. This is B.S. to be honest with you.”
Dariush also questioned McGregor’s retirement choice, claiming that it helps him to avoid the USADA’s testing regulations for returning competitors.
Dariush, on the other hand, feels this is all part of the game and accepts the USADA’s regulations as they are.
Despite his reservations, Dariush stays focused on his May fight against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He may not be able to influence McGregor’s USADA issue, but he intends to continue rising the 155-pound division via hard effort and determination.
Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon is mounting, but the shadow of his USADA issue is making it difficult to root for the Irishman.
The Shadow of USADA Controversy Looms Over McGregor’s UFC Comeback, Exposing Combat Sports’ Underbelly
Standard USADA standards require boxers to be tested for performance-enhancing substances, but McGregor has yet to cooperate, prompting suspicions of steroid use.
Fellow fighter Beneil Dariush is not mincing words about his suspicions, accusing McGregor of cheating due to his increased muscle mass during his recovery. While therapeutic exemptions are available for legitimate medical reasons, Dariush suggests that McGregor has something to hide since he has not sought one.
In the end, McGregor’s USADA controversy is just another chapter in the sport’s long and storied history, with fighters sometimes resorting to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage.
Whether he is finally found guilty of cheating or not, McGregor’s return to the UFC is guaranteed to be a significant event that will attract the attention of fight fans all around the world.
The dispute heightens the excitement around this highly anticipated return, and only time will tell how it all plays out in the octagon.
