Why did UFC and USADA end eight-year partnership? Know everything about the split surrounding Conor McGregor’s controversy
Drug testing remains an integral part of combat sports. The UFC might move away from USADA and look for a new partner for the Anti-doping program.
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UFC and USADA decided to split after an incident surrounding Conor McGregor (via Imago)
UFC and USADA formed a partnership in 2015 to clean up the sport of MMA. Many athletes used PEDs and other substances to find some advantage at the time. Hence, an Anti-Doping program remains essential in MMA. During their stint, they flagged many fighters for violating the terms. T.J. Dillashaw, Jon Jones, and Sean O’Malley all faced bans during this time for using banned substances. However, the partnership between the UFC and the USADA has come to an end. At least, this is what the USADA CEO revealed recently and hinted towards superstar Conor McGregor.
USADA CEO Travis Tygart’s statement revealed that the partnership would end on January 1, 2024. Dana White and other higher-ranked officials in the UFC have yet to comment about the situation. It remains unknown now as to whether the decision has something to do with the TKO Group Holdings. Recently, the UFC and WWE merged to form the TKO Group Holdings. They have promised big things in the sports entertainment business. Find out the details about the two partners splitting and the role of Conor McGregor in the incident.
Related: How many UFC fighters have visited the White House?
What role did Conor McGregor play in the split between the UFC and USADA?
After injuring his leg, Conor McGregor took himself out of the USADA testing pool in 2021. He stayed on the sidelines till early 2023. In February of this year, McGregor returned to the limelight to coach season 31 of TUF. Once the season ended, he was supposed to fight Michael Chandler. However, McGregor did not enroll in the USADA testing pool.
McGregor and the UFC looked at all the possible scenarios to enable the Irishman to fight this year. However, the USADA refused to comply. Tygart stated, “The relationship between USADA and UFC became untenable given the statements made by UFC leaders and others questioning USADA’s principled stance that McGregor not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months.“
It looks like the UFC wanted the USADA to offer some leniency for Conor McGregor. The Irishman headlining the UFC 296 PPV card in December could have done huge business for the UFC. Nevertheless, it all depended on the USADA making McGregor eligible.
What is the future of drug testing in the UFC without USADA?
The fighters had several issues with USADA. Fighters like Anthony Pettis, Jorge Masvidal, and Paulo Costa beefed with them for the way they conducted business. Paulo Costa complained that the USADA wanted samples from him while cutting weight. Nevertheless, they kept the sport clean. They caught the ones who took PEDs.
The UFC will look elsewhere to conduct the drug testing. Dana White or other UFC officials have yet to come out and issue their side of the story. In the coming days, White or Hunter Campbell would address the issue. Fans would like them to clarify how they would ensure fair play amongst the fighters.
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Nidhin Shibu
(2537 Articles Published)