“They won’t let me fight in December, ladies and gentlemen,” the Irishman said in an audio message posted on social media. “You saw Chris Weidman at UFC 292. Imagine what this injury is like. I feel like I’ve been robbed of my livelihood. I’m not going to complain, but I’m ready! I wanted to announce the fight for Dec. 16, but that’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”
McGregor has also asked Endeavour CEO Ari Emanuel to influence the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
“I’m going to keep doing my thing, so I’ll see you soon. Hopefully early next year. Please, somebody, Ari, my friend, I’m ready for December 16th. The head of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett, looks like he’s retired. Call him. Tell him to come back. Tell the board my story, because I’ve been deprived of my livelihood. Turns out Bob’s retired, and I’m like, “What’s the big deal!? I’m on top of my boat now, but I’ve been on top of this game for a very long time!”
Based on McGregor’s statement, it appears that the Athletic Commission has refused to allow the Irishman to fight without a USADA clearance, and if the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency insists on a six-month testing period, the former UFC double champion should be back in the testing pool in the very near future for a fight in the first quarter of next year.
As a reminder, the world’s strongest league will close out the year on December 16 with UFC 296, which will take place in Las Vegas.