In a surprising turn of events, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) will cease its role in overseeing the UFC’s anti-doping program once their current contract expires at the end of 2023. This announcement comes following USADA’s insistence on strict anti-doping rules, which have had implications for UFC superstar Conor McGregor.

USADA CEO Travis Tygart released a statement, confirming that Conor McGregor had re-entered the drug-testing pool after a period of absence. USADA had been in discussions with the UFC about extending their contract until negotiations broke down. As a result, the UFC has opted to conclude the partnership starting in 2024. Enhance your MMA viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet, one of the best MMA betting sites.

Tygart revealed that there had been tensions between USADA and the UFC, primarily due to the situation involving McGregor. McGregor had left the anti-doping program after suffering a leg injury in his previous fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021. He had teased plans to re-enter the program, but USADA’s rules dictated that he undergo six months of testing before competing again, unless an exemption was granted.

Tygart explained, “Despite a positive and productive meeting about a contract renewal in May 2023, the UFC did an about-face and informed USADA on Monday, October 9, that it was going in a different direction. We are disappointed for UFC athletes, who are independent contractors who rely on our independent, gold-standard global program to protect their rights to a clean, safe, and fair Octagon. The UFC’s move imperils the immense progress made within the sport under USADA’s leadership.”

The strained relationship was further exacerbated by statements from UFC leaders and others questioning USADA’s stance on McGregor not being allowed to fight without a six-month testing period. USADA firmly stood by the rule to safeguard fighters’ long-term health, safety, and maintain a fair playing field.

Tygart emphasized that USADA would not grant an exemption for McGregor after he had left the anti-doping program during his injury recovery.

This development marks the end of an eight-year partnership between the UFC and USADA, which was established in 2015 to oversee the promotion’s anti-doping efforts. Over the years, USADA conducted more than 27,000 tests across the UFC’s roster, contributing to the cleanliness and integrity of the sport. Get the latest updates from the world of MMA only on Nextbet Sports.