In a surprising move, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) announced that UFC fighter Conor McGregor has been re-entered into the drug-testing pool, indicating a potential return to the octagon. However, the accompanying news release from CEO Travis Tygart revealed a significant development – USADA’s partnership with the UFC will be terminated starting January 1, 2024. What led to this sudden rift between the two organizations?
Despite a “positive and productive meeting” regarding a contract renewal in May, the UFC made an abrupt reversal and informed USADA on Monday about their decision to move in a different direction. This turn of events comes as a surprise, considering that the UFC had hired USADA to administer its anti-doping program in 2015. The deteriorating relationship can be attributed to the controversy surrounding Conor McGregor, the promotion’s biggest star.
According to Tygart, the relationship between the UFC and USADA became “untenable” due to the situation involving McGregor. USADA places paramount importance on the long-term health and safety of fighters, as well as maintaining a fair and level playing field. Tygart’s statement suggests that the UFC’s pursuit of short-term profits at the expense of clean athletes played a role in the breakdown of the partnership.
Following a leg fracture sustained during a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor voluntarily removed himself from the USADA drug-testing pool. The UFC’s anti-doping policy, administered by USADA, stipulates that a fighter must spend a minimum of six months in the pool and pass two drug tests before being eligible to compete again. While a written exception exists, allowing the UFC to waive the six-month requirement if it is unfair to the fighter, the two drug tests must still be passed.
USADA expressed its opinion in November 2022 that such an exemption would not apply to McGregor. The organization insisted that McGregor should spend the complete six-month period in the drug-testing pool before making a comeback. In a subsequent statement in March, USADA reiterated its stance, emphasizing that McGregor must fulfill the full testing period.
Tygart pointed out that statements made by UFC leaders and others questioning USADA’s principled stand contributed to the estrangement between the two organizations. This particular reference alluded to UFC president Dana White’s interview with TSN, where he hinted that McGregor could potentially fight before the six-month period concluded, disregarding USADA’s regulations. White’s dismissive attitude towards USADA’s authority and comments on hypothetical scenarios likely fueled tensions.
Even UFC color commentator Joe Rogan weighed in on the matter, suggesting that the UFC should handle its own drug-testing procedures. One of Rogan’s criticisms of USADA centered around the six-month rule and the ban on fighters using prohibited substances for healing purposes. Tygart addressed Rogan’s comments in his statement, highlighting that USADA prioritizes the safety and well-being of fighters by prohibiting the use of unapproved substances that claim to aid recovery.
As of now, the UFC and McGregor’s camp have not responded to the announcement by USADA. Tygart raised concerns about whether McGregor would be required to fulfill the six-month requirement, given that the partnership between the UFC and USADA will cease to exist starting next year. The possibility of McGregor returning to the octagon before the completion of the six-month period remains uncertain. Amidst the fallout, Tygart expressed disappointment for UFC athletes, who rely on USADA’s gold-standard program to ensure a clean, safe, and fair fighting environment.
The recent developments mark a significant turning point in the relationship between the UFC and USADA. The rift caused by McGregor’s situation, coupled with disagreements over testing protocols and the UFC’s disregard for USADA’s authority, has led to the termination of their partnership. As the UFC moves forward, it remains to be seen how they will address their anti-doping program and ensure the integrity of the sport while upholding fighters’ health and safety.
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