The UFC's partnership with USADA could result in legal action, as UFC chief business officer Hunter Campbell issued a threat of legal proceedings against USADA due to recent statements made by the organization's drug-testing partner. Campbell accused USADA CEO Travis Tygart of defamation and demanded a formal apology by 5 p.m. PT on Thursday. Additionally, Campbell and UFC executive Jeff Novitzky revealed plans to partner with Drug Free Sport in early 2024 for their drug-testing and anti-doping program. Former FBI agent George Piro will lead this program as an independent administrator.
Tygart previously announced that December 2023 would mark the end of USADA's partnership with the UFC, citing disputes over Conor McGregor's testing status as a contributing factor. Campbell vehemently disagreed with Tygart's claims and emphasized that McGregor had always intended to reenter the testing program for six months before fighting, with no exceptions.
Campbell criticized USADA's use of McGregor to advance a false narrative and suggested that the organization was driven by a desire to maintain authority and media attention. Despite the contentious end to the partnership, Campbell and Novitzky expressed gratitude for USADA's work over the years. The UFC's relationship with USADA, which began in 2015 and included over 27,000 tests, will continue until the end of 2023, despite the recent developments.