The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), which managed UFC drug testing from summer 2015 until the end of 2024, made headlines in August for what the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) referred to as a “scheme” that allowed doping athletes to compete for years without facing any consequences for their anti-doping rule violations.
These allegations are serious and echo claims that have surfaced before.
In response, USADA countered with its own allegations, claiming that WADA’s accusations were “desperate and dangerous attempts to smear others,” aimed at diverting attention from 23 positive tests at the Paris Olympics. USADA accused the leadership of WADA of prioritizing its reputation over the work needed to protect clean sport.
Neither agency provided details about specific sports or athletes involved.
UFC color commentator Joe Rogan recently discussed the USADA scandal during a conversation with fitness podcaster Derek Munro from More Plates More Dates, who is notably recognized for confronting “Liver King.” Their dialogue turned to the scandal, a topic that resonated with Rogan due to USADA’s previous connections to the UFC.
Munro suggested that USADA had been concealing drug test results for elite and Olympic-level athletes. “They got to go until retirement without getting exposed just because they helped USADA, supposedly, catch other people,” he explained.
Rogan responded by confirming, “Oh, they were narcs?”
Munro elaborated that if an athlete helped USADA catch others, they could avoid repercussions for using substances like testosterone or EPO. He implied that this situation contributed to the criticism from UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell, who expressed relief over moving away from USADA’s oversight.
Rogan likened the situation to a “drug dealer that works for the government.”
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones faced accusations of informing on teammates to lessen a prior drug-testing suspension. His main accuser, longtime rival and former two-division champion Daniel Cormier, stated that the offer was not exclusive to Jones, but labeled him a “scumbag” for accepting it.
Cormier asserted, “You think you’re the only one that’s been offered this deal? No, you’re just the only scumbag low enough to take it!” He challenged Jones about which of his teammates he had informed on to receive a lenient punishment from USADA, expressing disdain for both cheating and informing.
Despite multiple failures in drug testing, Jones has consistently maintained his innocence.
USADA also faced backlash for its management of drug testing protocols concerning ex-champion Conor McGregor. The controversy surrounding McGregor ultimately contributed to the termination of the costly partnership between UFC and USADA, leading to a new arrangement with Drug Free Sport International (DFSI).
Thus, it seems the UFC has moved from one challenging situation into another, equating it to being "out of the frying pan and into the fire."
