The UFC has made headlines by hiring a former FBI agent responsible for interrogating Saddam Hussein during their new drug-testing program.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) recently announced that it will not be renewing its partnership with the UFC, citing an ongoing saga surrounding Conor McGregor’s return as the reason.
McGregor returned to the Usada testing pool on Sunday (October 8, 2023), as he prepares for his first fight since his leg injury in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier.
However, Usada’s announcement about McGregor’s return also revealed that the agency would be ending its partnership with the UFC in January. Usada CEO Travis Tygart expressed uncertainty about whether the UFC would comply with its regulations regarding McGregor.
In order to compete in the UFC, athletes must be in the Usada testing pool for six months, produce at least two negative test results and no positive tests. Earlier this year, there were hints that Usada might grant McGregor an exemption, but Tygart strongly disagreed with this notion.
Novitzky says that Piro will make EVERY decision in the program and that the authority will be his and his alone.
Novitzky says that he will be surrounded by many experts, including the aforementioned Dr. Eichner.
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 12, 2023
Since then, the UFC’s Senior Vice-President of Athlete Health and Performance, Jeff Notitzky, and the promotion’s CBO, Hunter Campbell, have criticized Usada over recent events. As part of their new anti-doping program, the UFC will collaborate with Drug Free Sport and appoint George Piro as its overseer.
George Piro, a Lebanese-born former FBI special agent, was previously in charge of the bureau’s Miami Field Office. In 2004, he led the team that interrogated former Iraqi president Hussein before his execution in 2006 following conviction by an Iraqi court.
Under the new program, Drug Free Sport will send athletes’ samples to the SMRTL (Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory), managed by Dr. Dan Eichner, for analysis. The results will then be transferred to Piro for further evaluation.
Athletes will have the opportunity to present their cases to Piro, who will serve as the sole adjudicator for the UFC before the official arbitration process begins.
Piro retired from the FBI in July 2022.
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Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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