Fighters react to UFC-USADA split: 'What a shit show'
The UFC ending its anti-doping partnership with USADA has shaken up the MMA community.
USADA, which has run the UFC's drug-testing program since July 2015, announced Wednesday that the two sides are parting ways effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Naturally, everyone - especially UFC fighters themselves - wants to know what will come next, what the next era of drug testing will look like in the UFC. That will be a key story as we approach the new year, but as of right now, little information is available. State athletic commissions could once again take on full responsibility for testing fighters, or the promotion could hire a firm to help launch a new anti-doping program.
All we know for sure is that the UFC-USADA relationship will soon reach its expiration date. Many fighters - both past and present - reacted to the stunning news on X, formerly known as Twitter:
No more Usada?
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) October 11, 2023
Fighters until December fighters in January pic.twitter.com/euyI3pmDCw
I was trying to get that usada jacket tho. Wtf.
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) October 11, 2023
You guys.... did you hear?!? Were all gonna be juiced up soon!!!!!!!! Lmao.... #USADA Any recommendations? I'm kinda new at this....
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) October 12, 2023
This is crazy what a shit show! https://t.co/BFbjHgIxwG
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) October 11, 2023
yall bout to start seeing some super athletes lol
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) October 11, 2023
I’ve had 22 USADA tests, and 6 commission tests. I want my T-Shirt @usantidoping
— Cody Durden (@Cody_Durden) October 11, 2023
Atleast I don’t have to hold my piss when I wake up early
— Brian BOOM Kelleher (@brianboom135) October 11, 2023
There has never been, and never will be justice for how USADA and UFC killed my love for one of the only things I cared about. https://t.co/gwuuiSyBzw
— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor トム・ローラー (@FilthyTomLawlor) October 11, 2023
Anyone have Brock Lesnar’s #?
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) October 11, 2023
See you guys in January 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/MR3r6RT0Dt
— Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) October 11, 2023
Sign me up the juice is back!
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) October 11, 2023
No more usada!
Overreem unretires
Belforts back
Low T is back
Good thing or bad thing or back to a spectacle? pic.twitter.com/0lWdSqezV0
The best jokes are the ones that require no explanation #UFC pic.twitter.com/j9dbuppwDk
— Ode' ⭕️sbourne 🇯🇲 (@OdeOsbourne) October 12, 2023
I’m sure the #UFC has a plan of action in place for when #USADA vacates the organization. What that is we will find out soon enough.
— Ode' ⭕️sbourne 🇯🇲 (@OdeOsbourne) October 12, 2023
I was in the UFC before USADA, and I’ll be in the UFC after USADA. Nothing changes
— Tim Elliott (@TElliott125) October 12, 2023