McGregor's Manager Says New York Times Testing Article Was Hit Job, Suspects USADA Behind It
"I think it's a guy trying to make something out of nothing. I think we followed all the testing procedures. I think Conor has been tested about 22 times, give or take, in the last 2 years, 15 times this year. We've done everything right. But clearly this is like, again, you know, you either you love him or you hate him, but this is like a hit job."
About this episode
Ariel Helwani sat down with Audie Attar, Conor McGregor's longtime manager, during fight week in Las Vegas as McGregor prepares for his first bout in five years against Max Holloway. Attar revealed that McGregor's new UFC contract represents a historic payday—multiples higher than any fighter in UFC or Zuffa Boxing history—though he maintains it still doesn't reflect McGregor's true market value. The deal includes unique provisions requiring a second fight by April 2026 at the latest, but allows for earlier dates if agreed upon, with no extension beyond those two fights currently signed. Attar disclosed that serious negotiations for McGregor's return began approximately 18 months ago, and that the UFC moved far beyond their typical negotiating position to secure the deal. He addressed the controversial New York Times article questioning McGregor's drug testing timeline, calling it a "hit job" and noting McGregor has been tested 22 times in two years. Attar also revealed the severity of McGregor's leg injury, stating doctors told the fighter he might never run or play with his children again. The manager explained the opponent selection process, confirming Michael Chandler was the first choice to honor Chandler's patience, but when that didn't materialize, Max Holloway emerged as the compelling stylistic matchup. Attar discussed McGregor's potential free agency value, acknowledging significant market opportunities exist outside the UFC but emphasizing they're focused on Saturday's fight before making future decisions. He also addressed his personal relationship with McGregor, admitting there were moments both considered parting ways but expressed pride in their 15-year journey together. Regarding other clients, Attar said Rico Verhoeven was wronged in his recent loss to Oleksandr Usyk and that a boxing rematch makes the most sense, while Michael Venom Page has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and will explore all options afterward.
Key takeaways
- Audie Attar confirmed Conor McGregor secured a historic UFC deal worth multiples more than any fighter in UFC or Zuffa Boxing history, though still below his perceived market value.
- McGregor's contract includes two fights with the second required by April 2026 at the latest, but no extension beyond that has been signed, positioning potential free agency.
- Attar called the New York Times drug testing article a hit job and suggested USADA was behind it, noting McGregor has been tested 22 times in two years.
- Doctors told McGregor after his leg injury he might never run or play with his kids again, and Attar admitted multiple moments where he thought McGregor would never fight again.
- Michael Chandler was the first choice opponent to honor his patience waiting for McGregor, but when that fell through Max Holloway became the preferred stylistic matchup.
- Attar acknowledged there were moments both he and McGregor considered ending their 15-year partnership but expressed peace with their journey regardless of what happens next.
- The manager stated fighter pay is improving in the UFC but not fast or high enough, crediting the new media rights deals for creating progress.