Earlier this week, Dana White expressed strong disapproval of USADA’s abrupt decision to terminate its association with the UFC as of December 31. White has continued to emphasize his dissatisfaction with the anti-doping agency in the following days.
USADA’s discord with the UFC emerged when they accused the promotion of seeking preferential treatment for their star athlete, Conor McGregor. It should be noted that McGregor had submitted his test samples, a prerequisite for reentering the octagon, which mandates a six-month testing period.
The fallout from this controversy led to the announcement of the split between the UFC and USADA. In response to USADA’s initial statement gaining widespread attention, UFC CEO Dana White openly criticized the anti-doping agency, labeling them “scumbags.”
White reiterated his sentiments in a recent interview with the press, stating, “It is what it is. They did what they did. Think about this, they’re in a business where they’re looking to bring other sports leagues in. They were with us for eight years, we helped put them on the map, and they helped us build an incredible program.
This is how you’re going to end your relationship with us? Who else would want to do business with you?”
High Stakes at UFC 294: Chimaev vs. Usman for Middleweight Title
In other UFC updates, Dana White confirmed that the upcoming UFC 294 event will feature a title eliminator bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Kamaru Usman. Originally, Chimaev was set to face Paulo Costa, but due to Costa’s elbow injury, Usman has stepped in on short notice. Usman returns to the octagon after consecutive title losses to welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 286 in March.
During an interview on The Pat McAfee Show, Dana White shared insights into the UFC 294 card. He confirmed that the winner of the Chimaev-Usman bout will earn the opportunity to challenge Sean Strickland for the middleweight title, underlining, “That is an absolute fact. The fact that these guys are taking this fight on short notice, [the winner] will get the next shot at the title, barring injuries and other unforeseen circumstances.”In the world of mixed martial arts, tensions are mounting not only inside the octagon but also behind the scenes, as the UFC and USADA find themselves at odds over the handling of Conor McGregor’s return to competition.