AUSTIN, TEXAS: Months after accusing Conor McGregor of allegedly using steroids, UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan has now changed his stance on the topic following McGregor's confirmation of being clean.
This comes after it was confirmed that McGregor re-entered the USADA (US Anti-Doping Agency) testing pool.
The official statement read, “We can confirm that Conor McGregor has re-entered the USADA testing pool as of Sunday, October 8, 2023. We have been clear and firm with the UFC that there should be no exception given by the UFC for McGregor to fight until he has returned two negative tests and been in the pool for at least six months."
Joe Rogan supports Conor McGregor
During a recent 'JRE podcast', Joe Rogan said about the USADA’s statements, "They said they were doing it for Conor McGregor, so they could get Conor McGregor and not have to test him, which is not true because Conor McGregor entered into the USADA testing pool and supplied two tests so far.”
Further, Rogan added, “So, they’re wrong. What they said was wrong, he’s not on anything, he’s clean, they tested him."
USADA unexpectedly announced that they will no longer be collaborating with the UFC at the end of the current year.
As a result, the drug-testing organization's activities were harshly criticized by the UFC leadership, which included President Dana White and CBO Hunter Campbell.
According to Jeff Novitzky, vice president, and Hunter, the UFC decided not to partner with USADA owing to their over $2 million expenditure, but their inability to provide tracking software.
When Joe Rogan accused Conor McGregor of allegedly using steroids
USADA claimed that the UFC was looking to save money on Conor McGregor's comeback by skipping necessary tests, as per Sportsmanor.
They also specifically mentioned Joe Rogan's remarks and critique of USADA's testing practices.
Rogan claimed in a podcast broadcast that the testing procedures used by USADA are excessively stringent and can cause fighters great distress.
Having said that, it was intriguing to hear Rogan discuss McGregor's sobriety following his outspoken admission that the Irishman could be using steroids.
Consequently, the 56-year-old said things like, "He [Conor] is roommates with the Liver King,” and “His p**s would melt that USADA cup."
At the time, Rogan had brought attention to the problems with USADA's protocol and the ease with which athletes like Conor McGregor could leave the pool to "juice up" before returning.
Notably, the former champ-champ took exception to the former 'Fear Factor' host's remarks and responded with a few sharp jabs of his own.
Rogan's remarks were mocked by McGregor on social media, where he shared images of the man and claimed he was on steroids.
But at the moment, Rogan refrained from responding, instead complimenting McGregor on his theatrical prowess.
