The UFC announced that it will no longer be working with the United States Anti-Doping Agency starting in 2024, but will instead partner with Drug Free Sport International to handle sample collection and implement various improvements to their anti-doping program.
The UFC has announced plans to sever ties with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and replace it with Drug Free Sport International starting from 2024. At a press conference, Jeff Novitzky, UFC’s senior vice president of athlete health and performance, expressed confidence that the new anti-doping program would bring significant improvements and better serve the fighters. He commended the work done under the current policy but anticipated even better results with the new partnership. Drug Free Sport International has been involved in sample collection for various professional sports leagues and will handle the task for all UFC athletes.
Alongside this change, Dr. Daniel Eichner will become the new science advisor responsible for overseeing testing and results. Dr. Eichner runs the Sports Medicine Testing and Research Laboratory in Salt Lake City, which is one of the two accredited anti-doping laboratories by the World Anti-Doping Agency in the United States. Novitzky shared that Dr. Eichner has already recommended several changes, including a focus on erythropoietin (EPO) testing, improved blood collection devices, and a shift away from phlebotomy for drug testing. Furthermore, Novitzky listed numerous other updates and enhancements that the UFC envisions for its new anti-doping program.
To ensure transparency and independence, George Piro, a recently retired special-agent-in-charge from the FBI, will act as the independent administrator of the program. Piro will have sole authority in decision-making regarding drug testing infractions and punishments. Fighters will still have the option to seek arbitration under the revised program, which will be handled by McLaren Global Sports Solutions. Novitzky and UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell emphasized that while some practices will change, such as the timing and conditions of drug tests, the same rules and regulations will mostly remain intact.
Novitzky assured that the UFC’s commitment to transparency would continue, with the anti-doping policy and information about athlete testing remaining accessible to the public. He expressed confidence in the upcoming program, emphasizing that it would be smarter, more efficient, and technologically advanced, all while prioritizing convenience for the athletes. The UFC’s decision to part ways with USADA and partner with Drug Free Sport International demonstrates the organization’s dedication to maintaining a robust and effective anti-doping initiative.