Recently, it was revealed that by the end of 2023, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) would no longer oversee the UFC’s anti-doping program.Conor McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, was verified to have returned to the drug testing pool after an extended hiatus by USADA CEO Travis Tygart, prompting the decision.
We feel bad for the UFC fighters because they are independent contractors who depend on our independent, world-class program to uphold their right to a fair, safe, and clean Octagon. The UFC’s action jeopardizes the significant advancements made within the sport under USADA’s direction.
“Given the statements made by UFC leaders and others challenging USADA’s fundamental stance that McGregor not be permitted to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months,” according to the statement, “the relationship between USADA and UFC became untenable.”