Dustin Poirier Calls Out Conor McGregor for Dodging Drug Testing Protocols

Former UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier calls out Conor McGregor for evading drug testing protocols. Read more about the controversy and the fighters’ reactions.

Former UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has publicly criticized Conor McGregor for sidestepping the USADA drug testing protocols. Poirier’s comments come as McGregor’s return to the octagon remains uncertain.

In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Poirier expressed his thoughts on McGregor’s tweets following his loss to Justin Gaethje. Poirier’s response mirrored Gaethje’s previous comments about McGregor, who had unleashed a series of tweets over the weekend.

Poirier emphasized the importance of McGregor passing a drug test, stating, "Dude, he needs to pass a drug test. That’s what he needs to do." He further criticized the idea of changing the rules to accommodate McGregor’s return for the sake of pay-per-view sales, arguing that it would undermine the integrity of the sport.

While the UFC has made efforts to address the issue of failed drug tests, Poirier questioned the organization’s commitment to enforcing the protocols. He acknowledged that the UFC holds the power to make decisions regarding drug testing, stating, "They’re the judge and the jury, so they do what they want to do. So we’ll see."

The UFC took steps to combat doping in 2015 by hiring Jeff Novitzky, a key figure in exposing Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal. Additionally, the organization established a partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, creating the first independent anti-doping program in U.S. professional sports. As a result, the number of UFC fights overturned due to doping infractions has significantly decreased.

However, McGregor has been absent from the drug testing program since undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for a 2021 injury. Despite being scheduled to face fellow The Ultimate Fighter coach Michael Chandler, McGregor has yet to re-enter the testing protocols. According to the drug testing guidelines, he must undergo clean testing for at least six months before returning to the cage.

Many fighters aspire to compete against McGregor due to the immense spotlight and financial opportunities associated with facing the superstar. However, McGregor’s recent track record has been less than stellar, with three losses in his last four bouts. His most recent victory came against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone in 2020.

As a result, fighters who have reached a level of success that makes them potential opponents for McGregor are now calling him out for evading the USADA protocols. Both Gaethje and Poirier have publicly demanded that McGregor pass a drug test.

Gaethje, who defeated Poirier at UFC 291, accused McGregor of using steroids and cheating. He also expressed little interest in a potential fight with McGregor, further highlighting the growing discontent within the MMA community .

Summary

• Dustin Poirier criticizes Conor McGregor for not complying with USADA drug testing protocols.
• Poirier emphasizes the importance of McGregor passing a drug test and opposes changing the rules for his return.
• The UFC has made efforts to combat doping, but McGregor has been absent from the testing program.
• McGregor must undergo clean testing for six months before returning to the octagon.
• Fighters who could potentially face McGregor are calling him out for avoiding the USADA protocols.