For the past 8 years, USADA () has been working with the UFC as an external body testing the athletes for doping, keeping (as best as anyone could) a level playing field.
USADA's partnership with the UFC set to end in January 2024
The huge news came with a bit of controversy surrounding a loud Irishman you might have heard of called Connor McGregor. Just after it was announced he will be reentering the testing pool after an extended period away from the sport after breaking his leg at UFC 264.
After the UFC initiated the break up, the CEO of USADA, Travis Tygart, said they insisted all athletes be subject to the same rules, including Conor, which 'clearly upset' the MMA institute as he believe they wanted to play favourites.
Hunter Campbell, Chief Business Officer for the UFC, said these claims were a bunch of garbage. He cited the decision had been in the works for a long time and the UFC felt that with the technology currently in place and new organisations emerging in the anti-doping space, a better job could be done with a new program.
While this suggest they are looking for a new partner, some are saying the UFC will create it's own anti-doping program. It is yet unclear exactly what 2024 hold for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
What we do know however, is there was some hilarious responses from athletes as they took to social media hearing the news:
For now, it's a bit of a waiting game to see how this situation unfolds. Despite how much we might enjoy watching a free-for-all of juiced up monster beating the shit out of one another, we expect the UFC to come to some kind of solution.
Are you in the Blokes Advice Facebook group? We're almost 300 000 Aussie blokes who talk shit, give & ask for advice, and help each other get through the tough times with a laugh. Join the group HERE!
