UFC President Dana White is unconcerned about the expiring relationship between the UFC and USADA, stating that the anti-doping organization’s actions have soured their partnership and he has no interest in continuing to do business with them.
Dana White, the head of the UFC, has distanced himself from the organization’s deteriorating relationship with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). As the UFC’s contract with USADA comes to an end, the promotion is threatening legal action against its long-standing anti-doping partner. White stated that the UFC is moving on and wished USADA luck, questioning who else would want to do business with them after their actions. This comes after a week of turbulent events that led to the breakdown of the eight-year partnership between the UFC and USADA.
The shocking news came when USADA CEO Travis Tygart announced that December 2023 would mark the end of the UFC-USADA partnership. Tygart cited the UFC’s criticism of USADA’s decision to prevent Conor McGregor from fighting without being in the testing pool for at least six months as the reason for the relationship becoming untenable. Tygart accused the UFC of doing an about-face regarding their partnership and not appreciating the statements made by USADA.
Following Tygart’s comments, the UFC responded swiftly and aggressively. White labeled USADA’s actions as a “dirty scumbag move,” while other UFC officials announced the organization’s intention to take legal action against USADA for defamation. The UFC plans to partner with Drug Free Sport International to continue its anti-doping program starting in 2024, with former FBI agent George Piro leading the initiative as an independent administrator.
In response to the events, Tygart maintained his stance and credibility, standing by the statements made by USADA. White, when asked about Tygart’s response, expressed surprise and commented on his behavior, likening it to someone going “full Britney Spears” and losing their mind. Despite the tension, White reiterated that the UFC is moving forward and plans to chart a new course without USADA, partnering with a different organization for their anti-doping efforts.