The UFC has announced its split from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in 2024 due to a disagreement over Conor McGregor’s special treatment. This decision has garnered mixed reactions from fighters and raises questions about the future of drug testing in the sport.
| UFC Ends Partnership with USADA | Fighters’ Reactions | Issues with USADA | McGregor’s Role | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The UFC has announced its split from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in 2024. | Fighters took to social media to express their thoughts on the news. | Many fighters had problems with USADA’s testing timing. | Conor McGregor’s desire to return to the octagon played a role in the split. | The decision marks a significant development in the world of mixed martial arts. |
UFC Ends Partnership with USADA
In a shocking turn of events, the UFC has announced its split from the United States Anti-Doping Agency ( USADA ) in 2024. This decision comes amidst the ongoing Conor McGregor saga, where the Irishman’s special treatment became a point of contention. The news has not only surprised fans but has also garnered mixed reactions from top mixed martial artists.
Fighters’ Reactions
Following the announcement, fighters took to social media to express their thoughts. While some made light of the situation with humorous tweets, others had more nuanced opinions. Jon Jones, for instance, was pleased with the end of the partnership, while others voiced their frustration at the separation.
Issues with USADA
USADA had been the official anti-doping agency in the UFC for eight years. However, during their tenure, many fighters had problems with the organization’s testing timing. Paulo Costa, for example, criticized USADA for conducting a blood test at 6 a.m. during his weight-cutting process. These incidents, along with others, have contributed to the dissatisfaction among fighters.
McGregor’s Role
The breaking point in the negotiations between the UFC and USADA seems to have been Conor McGregor’s desire to return to the octagon. As McGregor was not in the anti-doping agency’s testing pool, he was deemed ineligible to compete. This led to a disagreement between the UFC and USADA , with the former advocating for an exception for McGregor. However, USADA CEO Travis Tygart emphasized that McGregor must follow the same rules as other fighters, including returning two negative tests and being in the testing pool for at least six months.
