“Straight up sc*mbag-ism!” Dana White confirms ‘sh*t is about to hit the fan’ after USADA brutally cut off ties with UFC via social media post

UFC CEO Dana White dejected by dirty play that strained the relationship between the USADA and the UFC. The MMA promotion will align with another independent contractor in the future.

“Straight up sc*mbag-ism!” Dana White confirms ‘sh*t is about to hit the fan’ after USADA brutally cut off ties with UFC via social media post

Dana White weighs in on dirty move by USADA (Source: IMAGO)

UFC CEO Dana White was anything but in favor of the USADA’s separation from the promotion. The USADA CEO, Travis Tygart, stated what led to the separation. The USADA claimed that the UFC wanted Conor McGregor to get some leniency to become eligible to fight. This claim from the USADA infuriated Dana White.

“There was no announcement yesterday,” said White on the Pat McAfee Show. “That was straight-up sc*mbag-ism!…Is what happened yesterday.” White has called the sudden onset of the news of USADA nullifying relations a dirty move on their part. He also mentioned that Health Performance VP Jeff Novitzky would address the separation of the promotion the next day. White has also mentioned the promotion litigator Hunter Campbell would join and address it further.

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The promotion and USADA had an ongoing partnership since 2015. The Anti-doping stance to clean up the sport saw bans put on many fighters, for substance abuse and enhancements. Amongst those were prominent names like T.J. Dillashaw, Brock Lesnar,  Jon Jones, and Sean O’Malley. But things got heated when the USADA claimed the UFC wanted them to give leniency to McGregor

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Alluring to entities like the NFL having a dedicated company for drug testing, White replied that they would pay an independent company. He mentioned that a lot of fighters were not happy with the USADA. With the USADA deal nearing its completion, they will focus on another independent contractor. Now, with the separation move, White is keen to drop the hammer on the matter. They have hired George Piro to head the new program.

Related: “He better clean up!” Fans parade for Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 300 card as Dana White confirms paperwork for USADA re-entry

Dana White rips separation move by USADA; expresses unhappiness

On Wednesday, USADA released a long statement outlining their separation from the combative sports promotion. It was declared that as of January 1, 2024, USADA would no longer be involved with the anti-doping arrangements and monitoring within the promotion. The move was primarily due to “untenable” work-relation caused by the return of Conor McGregor. The statement did not sit well with Dana White.

Dana White and the UFC severs ties with USADA post Conor McGregor inclusion in the USADA testing pool.
Dana White and the UFC sever ties with USADA post Conor McGregor’s inclusion in the USADA testing pool. (Source: IMAGO)

White addressed the concerns in a much-bloated appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. White has claimed to stay hands-off from the situation. Especially given that many fighters within the promotion were not happy with the involvement of USADA as a whole. He has said that Novitzky, who serves as the UFC vice president of athlete health and performance, would address the matter.

As for the slated return of McGregor, he is yet to be tested. However, USADA has doubts whether the promotion would honor the full scope of testing requirements. During the release statement, it was also mentioned that a UFC commenter had also echoed this sentiment. Redirecting the fact that USADA should not oversee anti-doping arrangements as they chose to hold firm on the 6-month notice for McGregor’s return to the ring.

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