The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) made a surprising announcement on Wednesday, revealing that Conor McGregor, one of the most prominent UFC fighters, will rejoin the drug-testing pool. However, this news came with an unexpected twist: USADA declared that its partnership with the UFC would come to an end on January 1, 2024. CEO Travis Tygart explained that although there were discussions about renewing the contract back in May, the UFC reversed its decision and informed USADA that it would pursue a different direction. This sudden shift ultimately led to an untenable relationship between the two organizations, largely due to the issues surrounding McGregor.
McGregor’s Rocky Road Back to the Drug-Testing Pool
After suffering a fractured leg during a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, McGregor voluntarily removed himself from the USADA drug-testing pool. According to the UFC’s anti-doping policy, overseen by USADA, any fighter looking to re-enter the drug-testing pool must spend a minimum of six months in the pool and successfully pass two drug tests before being allowed to compete. However, exceptions can be made by the UFC if it deems the six-month rule unfair to a specific fighter. Nonetheless, the fighter must still pass two drug tests.
USADA stated in November 2022 that it did not believe an exemption should be granted to McGregor, meaning he would have to endure the full six months in the drug-testing pool before resuming his fighting career. USADA restated this position in March, emphasizing that McGregor should absolutely be subject to the complete six-month period. CEO Tygart attributed the severed partnership between USADA and the UFC to statements made by UFC leaders and others challenging the agency’s principled stand on the matter. The comments made by UFC president Dana White in a July interview with TSN were likely included in Tygart’s statements, as White indicated there was a chance McGregor could fight before the end of the year, seemingly dismissing the requirement of the six-month rule.
In a recent episode of his podcast, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan suggested that the promotion should handle its own drug-testing instead of relying on USADA. Rogan criticized the six-month rule and the prohibition on fighters using banned substances for therapeutic purposes. Tygart addressed Rogan’s remarks in his statement, reiterating that USADA does not permit fighters to utilize performance-enhancing drugs like unapproved peptides or testosterone for healing purposes without a legitimate medical basis.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether the UFC will adhere to the six-month requirement for McGregor, given that the partnership between the promotion and USADA will end next year. If the UFC chooses to prioritize McGregor’s return, he could potentially fight before the full six months have elapsed. Tygart expressed disappointment for UFC athletes, emphasizing that they are independent contractors who depend on USADA’s rigorous anti-doping program to ensure a clean, safe, and fair playing field. Neither the UFC nor McGregor’s team, however, have responded to the recent developments.
The rift between Conor McGregor, the UFC, and USADA has highlighted the complexities and challenges surrounding anti-doping efforts in professional sports. The decision to terminate their partnership signifies the growing tensions between the UFC and USADA, particularly in regards to the rules and regulations surrounding drug testing. As the world of mixed martial arts continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the UFC plans to handle its anti-doping program moving forward, and what impact this will have on the athletes who compete within the promotion.
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