McGregor on Mendes' suspension: 'Can't put steroids on your chin'

On Wednesday, the United States Anti-Doping Agency announced that Chad Mendes will be suspended for two years following a failed out-of-competition drug test stemming from June.

'Money', a three-time UFC title challenger, last fought at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale and was knocked out by Frankie Edgar in the first round. The Team Alpha Male representative will not be able to return to competition until 2018 and joins one of many fighters who've recently been busted by the USADA.

Prior his fight with Edgar, Mendes took on Conor McGregor for the interim featherweight title at UFC 189. Mendes, who accepted the fight on short notice after Jose Aldo pulled out of the bout at the last minute, was overwhelmed and TKO'd in the second round. McGregor went on to beat Jose Aldo to capture the official 145-pound title and stake his claim as one of the fastest-rising stars in the sport.

When speaking to Lee Dunphy of The Mac Life, 'The Notorious' didn't mince his words when it came to Mendes.

"I wonder was he on that stuff when we fought?" McGregor said. "One thing I know for sure, though, you can't put steroids on your chin."

According to Nick Baldwin of Bloody Elbow, a source close to Mendes claimed that his failed drug test stemmed from a skin cream used to treat a lifelong condition. The substance the 31-year-old tested positive for is GHRP-6, a growth hormone which Iain Kidd provided an analysis on in a recent article.

McGregor will look to avenge his loss to Nate Diaz in a welterweight rematch at UFC 202. The pay-per-view takes place on August 20 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.