UFC Announces Partnership With New Drug Testing Provider, Legal Action Against USADA Possible

UFC is moving on from USADA with this new provider.
UFC Announces Partnership With New Drug Testing Provider, Legal Action Against USADA Possible
UFC Announces Partnership With New Drug Testing Provider, Legal Action Against USADA Possible /

There's a new anti-doping partner for the UFC.

The relationship between the UFC and USADA has gone sour. On October 11, USADA CEO Travis Tygart issued a statement announcing that effective January 2024, the drug testing agency would no longer be in business with the UFC.

The statement didn't go over too smoothly with the UFC brass, as Tygart said the partnership had become "untenable." Tygart mentioned issues with Conor McGregor re-entering the testing pool and Joe Rogan bashing USADA on his podcast.

READ MORE: DANA WHITE SLAMS USADA'S 'DIRTY SCUMBAG MOVE' IN FIERY RESPONSE

During a media scrum, it was announced by the UFC that replacing USADA will be Drug Free Sport International. Hunter Campbell, UFC's Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, told reporters that a legal letter has been sent to USADA, demanding an apology and retraction of its initial statement. Campbell also remarked that what USADA has done to Conor McGregor is "disgusting," and the agency could be legally liable (via Aaron Bronsteter).

UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health & Performance, Jeff Novitzky, also chimed in, calling USADA's statement "garbage." He also claimed that fighters were frustrated with the USADA system due to the way its whereabouts policy was handled.

Novitzky promised that the UFC and Drug Free Sport would have "smarter, more efficient, more effective technology" with the new system being implemented. He also said it will be far more convenient for the fighters.

Time will tell how Drug Free Sport International meshes with the UFC and its athletes. As far as USADA is concerned, things have gotten ugly quickly, and it could lead to a battle in court with the UFC's legal team.

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Fernando Quiles Jr.
FERNANDO QUILES JR.

Fernando has over a decade of combat sports news writing experience. He currently covers MMA, boxing, and pro wrestling. Fernando joined MMA Knockout as the Lead Writer/Editor when it was founded in 2023.