Conor McGregor plans to resume drug testing in February and return to action shortly afterwards despite UFC policy suggesting he should face at least another six months out of action.
The Irishman broke his leg in his defeat by Dustin Poirier in July last year. McGregor's comeback was initially expected to be last year but it has been delayed until 2023 after he suffered setbacks to his fitness during his rehabilitation programme.
UFC chief Dana White then confirmed McGregor would not return for a further six months as fighters are required to be enrolled in the USADA drug-testing programme. McGregor's last test was over 12 months ago but he has claimed he can exploit a loophole in the system to return sooner than first thought, tweeting: "I am clear for testing in February. I will complete my two tests per USADA and we are booking a fight."
