Who is George Piro? Know all about UFC’s latest hiring of FBI agent who led Saddam Hussein interrogation
The UFC brought in a decorated Agent of the FBI to administer the anti-doping program. Find out more details about George Piro.
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George Piro will administer the anti-doping program of the UFC (via Imago)
The split between the UFC and the USADA became significant in 2023. The split came after an eight-year partnership. The UFC executives Hunter Campbell and Jeff Novitzky announced George Piro as the new head of the anti-doping program for the company. Piro is infamous for handling the interrogation of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein back in the 2000s.
The UFC executives remain impressed with Piro. The hiring of George Piro surprised many MMA fans. They have wondered about Piro’s background in combat sports and why he was the best candidate for the job. Fans and the media expect a lot from Piro, and the UFC brass remains confident about the former government agent handling the job. Find out more details about George Piro.
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Who is George Piro?
Piro was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. His family immigrated to California when he was 12 years old. Piro enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from high school. After his service ended, he earned a college degree and became the Criminal Investigator for the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s office.
In 1999, he started his career as an FBI agent in the Phoenix Field Office. Piro is fluent in English, French, Aramaic, and Arabic. It paved the way for his role as the lead interrogator of Saddam Hussein.
George Piro’s Interrogation of Saddam Hussein
George Piro was the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office. Piro has excellent fluency in Arabic, which became important when the US invaded Iraq. At the time, only 1 in 1000 FBI agents remained fluent in Arabic. The Bureau assigned George Piro to the Saddam Hussein Interrogation Team.
Piro took the role of Team Leader and the Lead Interrogator for the team. His fluency in the Arabic language made the Bureau trust him with everything. He displayed excellent interrogation skills by befriending Saddam Hussein and gathering crucial pieces of information. He conducted 20 formal conversations with Hussein and five casual conversations.
Why did the UFC hire George Piro to administer the anti-doping program?
Most fans have wondered about the reason why the UFC hired George Piro. The answer is not that difficult, according to executive Jeff Novitzky. In a recent press meeting, Novitzky stated, “(Piro) He’s also a world champion no-gi jiu-jitsu masters level. He knows the sport. He knows what the athletes go through from his world-class level training.”
Novitzky also indicated that Piro was a huge MMA fan and trained in the American Top Team gym in Florida. Piro has a close relationship with many UFC fighters. He also has a keen interest in BJJ. His background as an administrator and knowledge of combat sports would be useful for the new job.
FAQs
Yes. He had a decorated career with the FBI.
Yes. He was the lead interrogator.
According to Jeff Novitzky, he does.
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