USADA releases statement on testing protocols for future UFC events
While UFC 249 is going to be a new experience for everyone, there is one thing that is guaranteed to remain the same. All fighters will continue to be drug tested by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
With the UFC returning to action, USADA issued a statement that precautions will be in place for the upcoming UFC schedule.
“As we’ve stated, testing at UFC events is an essential part of a fair fight,” USADA officials said in a statement to MMA Fighting. “We will have doping control officers at UFC 249, and will do everything in our power to conduct testing at future events, of course taking appropriate precautions to protect the health and safety of everyone involved.”
With the global coronavirus pandemic going on, USADA has remained busy by continuing to test UFC athletes. The agency did place safety protocols to protect the fighters and USADA representatives during the testing process.
In the lead up to the upcoming events, there will be one new test administered. All athletes and their coaches will now be tested for COVID-19. MMA Fighting spoke to multiple sources who said the fighters and their coaches are expected to receive COVID-19 tests prior to arriving in Florida and another test will be given on site.
The next three UFC events will be held in Florida. UFC 249 takes place next Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla. Following UFC 249, the promotion will hold two more events on May 13 and May 16.
