Tag: USADA

Breaking – UFC set to end relationship with anti-Doping agency USADA at the beginning of 2024

UFC set to end relationship with drug testing USADA at the beginning of 2024Confirming the re-entry of former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor to the agency’s testing pool tonight in an official press release – anti-doping testing group, USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) has confirmed their relationship and programe with the UFC will come to an official end at the beginning of the year. USADA, headed up by now-UFC […]

UFC set to end relationship with drug testing USADA at the beginning of 2024

Confirming the re-entry of former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor to the agency’s testing pool tonight in an official press release – anti-doping testing group, USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) has confirmed their relationship and programe with the UFC will come to an official end at the beginning of the year.

USADA, headed up by now-UFC official, Jeff Novitsky, began an infamous anti-doping testing programe and protocol with the Dana White-led organization back in 2015, in a bid to help clean up the sport of mixed martial arts, following multiple and flagrant anti-doping violations by athletes in the last decade. 

However, in an official press release tonight, whilst confirming the re-entry of ex-two-weight UFC champion, McGregor back into the testing pool – whom called for their relationship with the promotion to be axed earlier this year, also confirmed their partnership with the UFC would cease at the beginning of 2024.

UFC set to end relationship with USADA at the beginning of next year

“We can confirm that Conor McGregor has re-entered the USADA testing pool as of Sunday, October 8. 2023,” An official USADA statement read. “We have been clear and firm with the UFC that there should be no exception given by the UFC for McGregor to fight until he has returned two negative tests and been in the pool for at least six months. The rules also allow USADA to keep someone in the testing pool longer before competing based on their declarations upon entry in the pool and testing results.”

“Unfortunately, we do not currently know whether the UFC will ultimately honor the six-monht or longer requirement because, as of January 1. 2024, USADA will no longer be involved with the UFC Ani-Doping Program. Despite a positive and productive meeting about a contract renewal in May 2023, the UFC did an about-face and informed United States Anti-Doping Agency on Monday, October 9. that it was going in a different direction.”

“We are disappointed for UFC athletes, who are independent contractors why rely on our independent, gold-standard global program to protect their rights to a clean, safe, and fair Octagon. The UFC’s move impends the imperils the immense progress made within the sport under USADA’s leadership.”

“The relationship between United States Anti-Doping Agency and UFC became untenable given the statements made by UFC leaders and others questioning USADA’s principled stance that McGregor not be allowed to fight without being in the testing pool for at least six months. One UFC commentator echoed this, recently declaring that USADA should not oversee the UFC program since we held firm to the six-month rule involving McGregor, and since we do not allow fighters without an approved medical basis to use performance-enhancing drugs like experimental, unapproved peptides or testosterone for healing or injuries simply to get back in the Octagon.”

“Fighters’ long-term health and safety — in addition to a fair and level field — are more important to USADA than short-term profits at the expense of clean athletes. USADA is proud of the work we’ve done over the past eight year to clean up the UFC, and we will continue to provide our unparalleled service to UFC athletes through the remainder of our current contract, which ends December 31. 2023. As always, we will continue to uphold the rights and voices of clean athletes in all sports.” 

What are your thoughts on USADA’s relationship with UFC coming to an end?

UFC CEO Dana White confirms Conor McGregor has submitted paperwork to re-Enroll in USADA testing pool

Conor McGregorUFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Conor McGregor has submitted paperwork to re-enroll in the USADA testing pool. Per a report from Aaron Bronsteter, White revealed during the UFC Vegas 80 post-fight press event that the Irishman could be re-enrolled as of Monday, October 9, suggesting that he could return to the Octagon in time […]

Conor McGregor

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Conor McGregor has submitted paperwork to re-enroll in the USADA testing pool.

Per a report from Aaron Bronsteter, White revealed during the UFC Vegas 80 post-fight press event that the Irishman could be re-enrolled as of Monday, October 9, suggesting that he could return to the Octagon in time for UFC 300 next year.

“BREAKING: Dana White confirms that Conor McGregor has submitted paperwork to re-enter the USADA testing pool,” Bronsteter wrote on X. “White says McGregor could be re-enrolled as of Monday, but isn’t certain.”

Asked if the promotion plans on booking Conor McGregor’s anticipated return for UFC 300, White said that at this time, they are not making any plans for the Irishman.

“I literally have nothing planned with Conor McGregor right now,” White revealed. “The paperwork is being submitted. We’ll play it by ear and see how things work out. There’s still a lot of things that have to happen as far as fights go, and then we’ll decide where he’s going to land.”

Michael Chandler Believes His Fight with Conor McGregor Will Headline UFC 300

More than two years removed from Conor McGregor’s last appearance inside the Octagon, the news is sure to give fans a big sigh of relief after it appeared that the Irishman may never make a return to the fight game.

Originally, McGregor was tipped to return at UFC 296 in December, but after failing to re-enter the USADA testing pool in time, the two-time titleholder’s comeback was pushed into 2024. Despite the delay, McGregor has remained adamant that his first fight back will be against ex-Bellator champion ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler.

Earlier this week, Chandler told Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that everything appeared to be lining up for the pair to headline the promotion’s third centennial event which is expected to go down in April 2024, exactly six months from where we currently sit.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan calls for promotion to ditch USADA testing, allow TRT use: ‘There’s a real problem’

Joe Rogan calls for UFC to ditch USADA testing allow TRT use there's a problemVeteran UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan has called for the organization to ditch their association with USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) – in favor of their own in-house testing program for fighters. Rogan, a veteran former combat sports practitioner himself turned actor, podcast host, comedian and heralded color-commentator, has limited his time in the booth in […]

Joe Rogan calls for UFC to ditch USADA testing allow TRT use there's a problem

Veteran UFC color-commentator, Joe Rogan has called for the organization to ditch their association with USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) – in favor of their own in-house testing program for fighters.

Rogan, a veteran former combat sports practitioner himself turned actor, podcast host, comedian and heralded color-commentator, has limited his time in the booth in recent years to North American exclusive pay-per-view events, and is set to make his return to the microphone in November at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden.

Headlining that card is a monstrous heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and former two-time champion, Stipe Miocic – with a vacant light heavyweight title fight between former champions, Jiri Prochazka, and Alex Pereira set for co-headlining status.

Joe Rogan campaigns for UFC to disband relationship with USADA

Sharing his thoughts on the establishment of a USADA programe in the UFC – which has been in effect since late-2015, Rogan has called for the organization to part ways with the agency, and administer their own tests instead.

“Then there’s a six-month period USADA has to test them [fighters] randomly, which I think the USADA thing’s a mistake,” Joe Rogan said on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. “I really thingk they should do all that in-house ‘cause USADA does stuff like, well they don’t do it anymore, but they were doing stuff like waking guys up at 6:40 in the morning like the day of the weigh-ins, and testing them. It was f*cking insane, for world title fights, f*cking insane.”

“There’s a real problem where they’re stopping guys from taking things like BPC-157, all that stuff does is let you heal,” Joe Rogan explained. It’s called body protection peptide 157, body protection compound. It’s a really good peptide for healing injuries. I think athletes should be able to use everything they can, especially in a sport like MMA.” 

Do you agree with Joe Rogan’s thoughts on the UFC’s association with USADA?

Rafael Fiziev slams Conor McGregor for ducking USADA testing: ‘He does it because he’s a superstar’

Rafael FizievRafael Fiziev believes Michael Chandler will make easy work of Conor McGregor when the two lightweight greats finally step inside the Octagon. ‘Ataman’ is scheduled for a high-stakes scrap with fellow lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot on Saturday night as the promotion returns to the familiar confines of The APEX in Las Vegas. Fiziev will be […]

Rafael Fiziev

Rafael Fiziev believes Michael Chandler will make easy work of Conor McGregor when the two lightweight greats finally step inside the Octagon.

‘Ataman’ is scheduled for a high-stakes scrap with fellow lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot on Saturday night as the promotion returns to the familiar confines of The APEX in Las Vegas. Fiziev will be looking to regain some ground at 155 after coming up short against current BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje in his last outing.

As an elite member of the lightweight division, Fiziev often finds himself being asked about some of the division’s top stars, including former dual-world champion Conor McGregor. Discussing the long-gestating scrap between McGregor and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in a recent interview, ‘Ataman’ suggested that Chandler could potentially make easy work of McGregor, so long as he can keep his emotions in check and fights smart.

“Michael and I have the same problem because he also has to control his emotions in the fight,” Fiziev told MMA Fighting. “He has to control it. I think if he starts to control emotions, following the game plan only, he’ll beat Conor, because Conor, he lost the focus. He’s not the Conor from six years ago, five years ago. It’s not [the same] Conor.

“He just has to stay smart, have to stay calm, and I think Michael can win this fight easily just because [Conor] lost the focus. I think if he [gets out of] one round, after, [Chandler will win]. It’s a very interesting fight.”

Rafael Fiziev Accuses Conor McGregor of Using His Star Power to Skirt the Rules

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler recently completed their stint as opposing coaches on the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter. The pair were expected to follow that up by stepping inside the Octagon against one another in December for the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year. But after McGregor failed to re-enter the USADA testing pool for a required six months of pre-fight screening, the bout was pushed to sometime in 2024.

To this day, McGregor is still not enrolled in USADA which has become a constant source of frustration for fans and fighters who believe that the Irishman is using his star power to skirt the rules.

“For me, it’s like, it’s crazy, bro,” Fiziev said. “This guy, he’s a superstar, [and] because he’s a superstar, he do whatever [he wants], he don’t need this fight. Now, he fights just for fun, just to stay active.

“It’s still this crazy situation because, How is USADA not testing him? He’s lightweight fighter and you don’t test him. It’s crazy why he can’t do it like that but everybody [else] can, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter. But I think he deserves all this sh*t around him, because he’s a superstar, man. If you or me [become a star] like him, I think we can we can do the bullsh*t the same.

“He’s superstar level, that’s why he’s doing this bullsh*t,” Fiziev continued. “But I don’t say if I [become] the superstar, I [would do] the same because I like [there] to be justice. I don’t want to say [it’s] not justice [with McGregor], but yeah, he does it because he’s a superstar.”

‘Chito’ Vera claims it’s entirely too easy to skirt USADA’s testing protocols: ‘You need like 20 grand’

Chito VeraBantamweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is exposing how easy it can be to get around the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing protocols. Following his win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, Vera finds himself on the cusp of his first title fight against newly-crowned bantamweight world champion, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley. A month removed from his […]

Chito Vera

Bantamweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is exposing how easy it can be to get around the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing protocols.

Following his win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, Vera finds himself on the cusp of his first title fight against newly-crowned bantamweight world champion, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley.

A month removed from his last outing, ‘Chito’ sat down with bodybuilder Bradley Martyn on his popular podcast, Raw Talk, to discuss the fight game and his potential title opportunity. During their conversation, Vera expressed his disdain for fighters who utilize banned substances, noting that it’s entirely too easy to work around USADA if you’ve got the cash and the right doctor.

“Pussies that cheat to win tournaments and enhance with drugs; when people cheat, they do drugs to be faster,” Vera said. “I’m talking (in) competition. If you wanna be a f**king big guy, be a big guy, cool. But fighting, specific. It’s too f**ked up. I think there’s a lot of people taking it because it’s so easy to beat USADA. You need like 20 grand. Call a good doctor, boom” (h/t BJPenn.com).

He continued, “A good doctor will give you good products. He will tell you how to clean yourself. USADA only comes 6am to 6pm. I would love if USADA knock on your door at 4am, 10pm, 3pm — random, because they have this window. So, I can go to the f*cking mountains in Ecuador and tell them I’m hunting. I’ll be doing EPO and sh*t. By the time I come back there’s nothing in me.”

This is far from the first time ‘Chito’ has expressed his own frustration over alleged cheating in mixed martial arts and he made it abundantly clear that he would never take anything that gave himself an unfair advantage inside the Octagon.

“I’d rather die before I cheat, bro,” Vera added.

‘Chito’ Vera claims it’s entirely too easy to skirt USADA’s testing protocols: ‘You need like 20 grand’

Chito VeraBantamweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is exposing how easy it can be to get around the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing protocols. Following his win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, Vera finds himself on the cusp of his first title fight against newly-crowned bantamweight world champion, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley. A month removed from his […]

Chito Vera

Bantamweight contender Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera is exposing how easy it can be to get around the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing protocols.

Following his win over Pedro Munhoz at UFC 292, Vera finds himself on the cusp of his first title fight against newly-crowned bantamweight world champion, ‘Sugar’ Sean O’Malley.

A month removed from his last outing, ‘Chito’ sat down with bodybuilder Bradley Martyn on his popular podcast, Raw Talk, to discuss the fight game and his potential title opportunity. During their conversation, Vera expressed his disdain for fighters who utilize banned substances, noting that it’s entirely too easy to work around USADA if you’ve got the cash and the right doctor.

“Pussies that cheat to win tournaments and enhance with drugs; when people cheat, they do drugs to be faster,” Vera said. “I’m talking (in) competition. If you wanna be a f**king big guy, be a big guy, cool. But fighting, specific. It’s too f**ked up. I think there’s a lot of people taking it because it’s so easy to beat USADA. You need like 20 grand. Call a good doctor, boom” (h/t BJPenn.com).

He continued, “A good doctor will give you good products. He will tell you how to clean yourself. USADA only comes 6am to 6pm. I would love if USADA knock on your door at 4am, 10pm, 3pm — random, because they have this window. So, I can go to the f*cking mountains in Ecuador and tell them I’m hunting. I’ll be doing EPO and sh*t. By the time I come back there’s nothing in me.”

This is far from the first time ‘Chito’ has expressed his own frustration over alleged cheating in mixed martial arts and he made it abundantly clear that he would never take anything that gave himself an unfair advantage inside the Octagon.

“I’d rather die before I cheat, bro,” Vera added.