HomeLatest NewsUFC Ends Partnership with USADA: What's Next for Anti-Doping in MMA?

UFC Ends Partnership with USADA: What’s Next for Anti-Doping in MMA?

Explore the future of anti-doping in MMA as the UFC ends its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Find out what the new-look anti-doping program means for athletes and the sport. Watch the discussion on “Spinning Back Clique.”

Topic Summary
UFC Ends Partnership with USADA The UFC has decided to end its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and will be transitioning to Drug Free Sport International for its athlete anti-doping program starting in January. The decision comes after USADA CEO described the relationship between the two parties as "untenable."
Evaluating the USADA Experiment Questions arise about the effectiveness and worth of the UFC’s partnership with USADA. Did it truly achieve its intended purpose? Were there any shortcomings or controversies?
The New Era of Anti-Doping With the transition to Drug Free Sport International, there is anticipation and speculation about what the new-look anti-doping program will bring. Will it address any perceived flaws or limitations of the previous system? Can it provide better support and protection for the athletes?

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The Future of Anti-Doping in MMA

As 2023 comes to a close, the mixed martial arts community reflects on the biggest stories of the year. One of the major headlines that grabbed attention was the UFC’s decision to end its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

In a move that surprised many, the UFC announced that it will be partnering with Drug Free Sport International to run its athlete anti-doping program starting in January. This marks the end of a business relationship that began in 2015.

The news of the change was revealed by UFC executive vice president and chief business officer Hunter Campbell and senior vice president of athlete health and performance Jeff Novitsky at a press conference. The decision came after USADA CEO expressed that the relationship between the two parties had become "untenable."

Evaluating the USADA Experiment

The UFC’s partnership with USADA was seen as a groundbreaking initiative in the world of combat sports. The goal was to ensure a level playing field for all athletes by implementing a comprehensive anti-doping program.

However, as the partnership comes to an end, questions arise about the effectiveness and worth of the USADA experiment. Did it truly achieve its intended purpose? Were there any shortcomings or controversies along the way?

The New Era of Anti-Doping

With the UFC transitioning to Drug Free Sport International, there is anticipation and speculation about what the new-look anti-doping program will bring. Will it address any perceived flaws or limitations of the previous system? Can it provide better support and protection for the athletes?

These questions and more are discussed in a recent episode of "Spinning Back Clique." MMA Junkie’s panel of experts, including Mike Bohn, Nolan King, and Brian "Goze" Garcia, delve into the topic with host "Gorgeous" George Garcia. The episode provides insights and analysis on the future of anti-doping in MMA.

To watch the full discussion, click here.


This article is a summary of the original story that appeared on MMA Junkie.