All articles tagged with #usada
Sean O’Malley reveals the 2018 suspension for Ostarine just days before his UFC 324 comeback against Song Yadong, recounting the call from USADA, a six‑month ban and a second positive test that led to a two‑year layoff, and admits ongoing anxiety around drug testing as he pursues a title rebound after earlier losses.
USADA questioned the legitimacy of Chinese swimmers' positive doping tests due to contamination, criticizing WADA's handling and transparency, while American swimmer Katie McLaughlin expressed disillusionment over the integrity of the sport and the impact on clean athletes, amid ongoing debates about doping and governance in international sports.
UFC and USADA will no longer work together starting in 2024, with Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) taking over the drug testing. Dustin Poirier, who has always advocated for clean competition, hopes the new program will effectively catch athletes who are deliberately cheating with performance-enhancing drugs. Poirier recently suffered a second-round knockout loss in a rematch against Justin Gaethje.
Dana White, CEO of the UFC, criticized USADA CEO Travis Tygart for his handling of their split with the UFC and accused him of going "full Britney Spears" and "losing his mind." White expressed his disappointment with the allegations made by Tygart and stated that USADA hurt their own reputation with the way they ended their partnership. The UFC will now partner with Drug Free Sport International for their athlete anti-doping program starting in 2024.
The UFC is creating its own drug-testing program after ending its relationship with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) over a dispute involving Conor McGregor. The new program, set to begin in January, will be managed by Drug Free Sport International, with former FBI special agent George Piro leading the initiative. Usada CEO Travis Tygart stands by the agency's statement and credibility, while the UFC demands a retraction and apology. The UFC believes that a combination of entities and individuals can strengthen and improve their drug-testing program. McGregor, who hopes to fight in December, will re-enter the Usada testing pool to fulfill the required testing period before returning to competition.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) has announced that it will end its partnership with the UFC in January due to an "untenable" situation surrounding Conor McGregor. Usada expressed discomfort with the McGregor saga and the UFC's suggestion of granting him an exemption for an earlier return. McGregor re-entered Usada's testing pool this week, but the agency stated that it cannot ensure he serves the full six-month requirement because of the partnership termination. Usada emphasized its commitment to clean and fair competition, prioritizing fighters' long-term health and safety over short-term profits.
UFC executive Hunter Campbell demands an apology from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for using Conor McGregor to advance a false narrative. Campbell denies USADA's claim that the UFC wanted McGregor to return without undergoing the required six months of testing, stating that McGregor would not fight until he had completed the testing period. Campbell also accuses USADA of using McGregor as a media vehicle and expresses concern over potential legal liability. The UFC has announced a new partnership with Drug Free Sport International and will end its relationship with USADA in 2024.
The UFC has announced that it will be ending its partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) in 2024 and will be partnering with Drug Free Sport International (DFSI) instead. UFC executives criticized USADA's treatment of Conor McGregor and accused the organization of imposing its will on the UFC. The UFC's new anti-doping program will be overseen by George Piro, a former FBI special agent who led the Saddam Hussein Interrogation Team in 2004. UFC officials demanded that USADA rescind its statement, but USADA stood by its credibility.
The UFC has announced that it will continue its anti-doping program under a new partnership with Drug Free Sport International starting in 2024, after ending its partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The decision came after a disagreement over whether UFC star Conor McGregor should be granted an exemption from the required six-month testing window. The UFC has been working with USADA since 2015 and will continue to run the anti-doping program until the end of the year. Drug Free Sport International has been involved in anti-doping programs for over two decades and works with various sports organizations.
The relationship between the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the UFC has deteriorated, with the UFC deciding not to renew its contract with the USADA for its anti-doping program. The breakdown began when UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the USADA's assertion that Conor McGregor needed to enroll in the program for six months before fighting. USADA CEO Travis Tygart believes the UFC's decision is financially motivated and speculates that the promotion will hire a less credible firm to handle drug testing. Despite criticism, Tygart emphasizes the USADA's contribution to clean sport and its support from the majority of fighters. The USADA will continue its work in MMA through the PFL.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has announced its split from the UFC starting January 1, 2024, following a disagreement over the handling of Conor McGregor's drug testing. USADA wanted McGregor to spend at least six months in the drug-testing pool before competing again, but the UFC suggested he could fight sooner. USADA's CEO, Travis Tygart, cited concerns for fighters' health and safety as the reason for the split, emphasizing the importance of a fair playing field. The UFC had hired USADA to run its anti-doping program in 2015.
UFC CEO Dana White confirms that Conor McGregor has submitted paperwork to re-enter the USADA testing pool, indicating his intention to make a comeback. While there is no official timeline for his return, McGregor's submission suggests a potential return at UFC 300 in April. However, White states that no plans have been made yet and they will assess the situation as it unfolds. McGregor has been inactive since his leg injury in July 2021 and was previously scheduled to fight Michael Chandler after coaching The Ultimate Fighter.
Conor McGregor has hinted at his return to the USADA testing pool, a necessary step for his UFC comeback. McGregor, who has not fought since July 2021, submitted his information to Jeff Novitzky, indicating his willingness to undergo testing. If he provides two negative samples over six months, McGregor could be eligible to compete again. His potential opponent, Michael Chandler, expects to fight McGregor at UFC 300 in April, which aligns with the timeline if McGregor has indeed re-entered the testing pool.
Conor McGregor is ineligible to fight for the remainder of 2023 after failing to register with the US Anti-Doping Agency. The earliest he could fight Michael Chandler is January 2024, but it's unlikely due to his fiancee's pregnancy and his desire to take time off during the holidays. McGregor's massive frame and significant muscle gain have raised speculation about PED use, but he has denied it. The UFC can afford to wait for McGregor's return, as it's become a money-making machine. McGregor's leg injury also needs to be fully healed before he can fight again.
Michael Chandler expresses frustration over Conor McGregor not being in the USADA testing pool yet and doubts their scheduled welterweight bout will happen by the end of 2023. McGregor has missed the mandatory six-month period required for a fighter to return to competition after being out of the USADA pool. Chandler and McGregor are currently appearing as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31, with Team Chandler winning all four episodes that have aired so far.