Ariel Helwani: UFC vs. USADA Feud, Explained | The MMA Hour

Ariel Helwani breaks down the end of the UFC's working relationship with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the drama surrounding the separation, and more.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @mmafightingonsbn
Subscribe to MMA Fighting on KZbin: goo.gl/dYpsgH
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on iTunes: Apple.co/themmahour
Subscribe to The MMA Hour on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/0NUQhyU...
Subscribe to MMA Fighting feed on iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Check out our full video catalog: goo.gl/u8VvLi
Visit our playlists: goo.gl/eFhsvM
Like MMAF on Facebook: goo.gl/uhdg7Z
Follow on Twitter: goo.gl/nOATUI
Read More: www.mmafighting.com
MMA Fighting is your home for exclusive interviews, live shows, and more for one of the world's fastest-growing sports. Get latest news and more here: www.mmafighting.com

[@karlosgambino3070]

Everyone is on steroids :Nate Diaz

[@miked9639]

Conor to USADA: You'll do as your told

[@lauralishes1]

The Conor thing is BS. USADA are pissed their biggest client is leaving them.The UFC always had the option to exempt fighters from the 6 month testing pool. They recently did it with Miesha Tate. They didnt have to end the contract to ďo it. It seems they have been thinking about leaving for a while. Joe Rogan has been calling for the UFC to end the contract for ages on his podcast. Talking about how they bang on fighters doors at 6am on the morning of the fight amongst numerous other things.

[@Sunline2002]

Conor couldn't get in the cage with anyone that's in the top five in his weight division without being seriously embarrassed he could get killed that's why he's only going to fight older fighters way past thier prime from now on you will see

[@lauralishes1]

@@Sunline2002 your opinion

[@Cozmo1994]

@@lauralishes1 well so far its been factual.

[@aaanas]

​@@Sunline2002it seems like he will never fight again

[@steveknick1978]

When the promoter has too much control over drug testing, it’s a conflict of interest. The promoter will always be incentivized to cover up a failed test that impacts a card & its bottom line. That was the entire argument for outsourcing it & providing full transparency.

[@Todaymma]

They are literally going with a different drug testing agency. The UFC will not handle drug testing

[@steveknick1978]

@@Todaymma they are architecting the program though. You don’t see a problem with that?

[@vincentdinh7491]

​@@Todaymmathen why is george piro appointed by the UFC and Jeff Novitsky

[@ramonbriones4487]

They still literally changed the rules this year when Jon popped again. They changed the picogram rules so he can still debut and fight for the heavy weight strap.

[@ProtossExecutor100]

​@@TodaymmaThat doesn't even remotely address what he just said.

[@gomezalejandrog]

All I saw was the UFC basically saying "You're hindering our process in maximizing profits and we're tired of it".

[@kyartick8502]

Get your ears checked then. Usada even retracted their statement regarding Conor. Ifc could've let Conor fight this years without usada and they didn't

[@Eric-lx8hp]

It's like they're yelling at the referee

[@ali09gaming58]

Yep why helwani doesn't get it

[@kyartick8502]

@@ali09gaming58 bec he saw the hunter Campbell press conference unlike you

[@ali09gaming58]

@@kyartick8502 ok so list me the important points of that conference

[@bhumikjoshi4573]

Random testing is what makes it somewhat effective. Comparing with other sports and decide which months to test is absurd. If fighters have voice in testing than its not independent nor effective.

[@Solomanmode-dmm]

Which is a good thing @@brettm7345

[@Da_Publick]

If the fighters had a say, do you think they'd agree to having people show up at their homes at six in the morning, and talk to their family like they're dirt? Do you'd think they'd condone having to download an app, and register where they are 24/7, 365?

[@tylerlussier1896]

@@Da_Publickthat’s very true, I agree. I’m pretty sure they don’t have an App, USADA we’re suppose to create an app like 4 years ago and they still haven’t and this is why it’s soooo difficult to find fighters which is what Hunter Campbell said in the presser the other day.

[@Da_Publick]

@@tylerlussier1896 What the hell they need to find fighters for, when they're not fighting? I remember Cyborg went to Thailand, and USADA sent two agents to check into her hotel, and try to book the room next to hers. The hotel staff got suspicious, and they were outed. Demetrius Johnson had an agent pretending to be a Twitch gamer, asking him questions while he was trying to play. What does any of this have to do with 'anti-doping?'

[@lauralishes1]

The Conor thing is BS. USADA are pissed their biggest client is leaving them.The UFC always had the option to exempt fighters from the 6 month testing pool. They recently did it with Miesha Tate. They didnt have to end the contract to ďo it. It seems they have been thinking about leaving for a while. Joe Rogan has been calling for the UFC to end the contract for ages on his podcast. Talking about how they bang on fighters doors at 6am on the morning of the fight amongst numerous other things.

[@pirategenetics9593]

The problem with Ariels rants now a days is thta they are always extremely biased. Theres lots here to discuss, but its obvious Ariel is extremely biased against the UFC. I understand why, but it makes most of this unreliable

[@iluvatarchem]

What exactly is positive about an organization that is conducting its own antidoping tests? Doesn't get more clear than this and it is awful:P

[@miggs80]

Brazilians are like “we’re back”.

[@Sir1626]

come on Ariel, why would USADA drug test UFC employees. They're not fighting lol. The random testing is also what makes USADA effective. It comes with the territory of being a professional fighter for the UFC. If you're a clean athlete you would want random testing too.

[@jasonstuart2815]

I agree, i'm sure the cases of 3am wake ups for a piss test are rare and far between.

[@jericho-tube]

Misha Tate was not in 6 months testing pool . Lol

[@FH-tx5zk]

Jeez man, how tf did you gather that, and how has your comment received so many likes?? Ariel is making a well thought out point regarding the legalities surrounding expectations from "employee" vs a "contractor". Basically suggesting that not even employees are put through this, yet somehow contractors (which are not employees regarding labor laws) somehow are?? An amazing point that you've missed so badly, that it actually made me sad

[@somdutroy]

It is not about drug testing employees. It is about "independent contractors" having to disclose their locations. Make them employees, give them employee benefits and then do it.

[@Paul-vf2wl]

@@jericho-tube Having a baby is one of the exceptions

[@binzy698]

i agree with you on pretty much everything but for me three missed tests per suspension is fair. also, anyone who believes a word dana says- well i feel very sorry for you

[@BullishBitcoinBanter_Bullshit]

A missed test is a fail, it has to be that or fighters will go missing all the time and go get an IV or blood transfusion and then test the next day.

[@sy12]

It’s pretty obvious what happened. You just need to connect the dots. Hunter said during the press conference that “at no point” was there any discussion about Conor fighting before the six months pool period. Ummm except when Dana was asked about this not long ago he stated “we’ll see” when asked if Conor can fight before the six months. When asked about usada’s position dana said “who cares what they think” 😂 And this tygart guy said conor was discussed with ufc on Sunday and usada was let go on Monday 😂.

[@CJM23]

He's fighting at ufc 300. Way past 6 months, you donut.

[@BOZ_11]

@@CJM23 cos no one should be exempt from rules, doughnut

[@davidagiel8130]

The same thing happened with a Brock, that’s why they didn’t want to do it with Conor. If you want to take stuff to recover quicker fine, but you need to be in the pool for 6 months to make sure you’re clean to fight.

[@lauralishes1]

The Conor thing is BS. USADA are pissed their biggest client is leaving them.The UFC always had the option to exempt fighters from the 6 month testing pool. They recently did it with Miesha Tate. They didnt have to end the contract to ďo it. It seems they have been thinking about leaving for a while. Joe Rogan has been calling for the UFC to end the contract for ages on his podcast. Talking about how they bang on fighters doors at 6am on the morning of the fight amongst numerous other things.

[@BOZ_11]

@@lauralishes1 there's more to it than 3am wake up calls. Busting their stars (like Jon Jones and anabolic steroids) probably doesn't do the UFC's bottom line much good. If Conor is busted, that's their cash cow down the drain for the length of any suspension

[@Anthony-dj4nd]

Obvious McGregor gonna piss hot 😂

[@patrickwalsh5153]

Connor would piss a hole in that collection cup.

[@TheretardedPaulbrother]

They said he pissed a hole through a igloo cooler

[@thatcrazyguy834]

The cup gonna melt just being in the same room as his piss

[@mrmolloy]

The UFC is now beholden to shareholders and maximising profits. Usada interferes with that and costs the UFC a lot of money. They want their cash cows fighting and they want those with serious injuries to have innovative treatments to have them heal. The UFC have more pressure on them now for expansion and growth than ever. I hated when USADA targeted certain people or when they tested in the middle of the night before a fight straight after a weight cut. That behaviour was disgusting. It prevents rest, and recovery and ultimately puts athlete's performance at risk.

[@salusa_secundus]

USADA revenue is only $20MM. Their UFC contract is $10MM. That’s why USADA is butt hurt.

[@Shiggystardust]

Ufc contract was no 50% it was about 35%

[@billphillips7830]

No one says butt hurt in 2023 goofy

[@brandonwayne2343]

​@billphillips7830 yes they do dork

[@monkeyballs2342]

I watched the hour and a half conference the UFC uploaded my prediction we’re going to see a lot of great fights in the next couple years 💉

[@damianjohn5995]

😂 gold

[@georgiaboi22]

Not liking this new direction they’re going in. Appointed a guy with no experience to run this is wild. Just appears like they wanted a situation they could control ultimately and they can’t control USADA

[@GetAGripYeTick]

But usada let brock and meisha fight without entering the pool

[@rickrossi4468]

Thanks for clarifying this topic.

[@PugOfWallSt]

To me this feels like a big deal. I think Ariel is missing the point that UFC was trying to push usada to make exceptions for specific people like Jone's McGregor and broc

[@brandonwayne2343]

For mcgregor, look how his body changed from the roids

[@ab1live]

If the fighters vote and say they want no testing, do we allow no testing ?

[@HeBeDrGB]

Ariel, when you hire the independent contractor to fix your garage; it's perfectly reasonable to ask them to show you their current contractor's license, proof of insurance and any bond required to perform work in your jurisdiction. Furthermore, if your repairs are quite significant, you may also require the contractor to provide proof that they only provide drug free workers to do your repairs. As a homeowner, the more restrictions you apply, a fewer number of bidders will qualify and you are only going to get bids from those who actually want to perform the work. Then you, Mr Homeowner, choose which contractor(s) are awarded the job (at an agreed upon price) and so the work may commence. THIS IS HOW THE WORLD WORKS! The UFC is well within its right to require independent contractors to be in a testing program in order to complete, given the fact that there is a possibility someone could die from competing in a UFC sanctioned event. It's up to the government sanctioning bodies to decide how much organizational partition should exist between the UFC, any testing agency and the government sanctioning bodies themselves. Within all of this, it will be incumbent upon the UFC to develop a new program prior to January 1, 2024 and work with the sanctioning bodies to ensure they agreed to the new structure. THAT'S IT! Once that happens, the UFC will initiate language into all of their independent fighter contracts that in order to compete in the UFC, you're required to be a part of the new PED testing program. (It's really that simple from a UFC perspective.) As a fighter? You can agree to the terms or not. That's your input in the process as a fighter unless the sanctioning bodies change the standards to the UFC in order for them to operate their business. Any suggestion(s) that the fighters should have greater input is noble but not required.

[@gregs3301]

Ariel FYI every top olympic sport athlete has to report in the app any place they go and be available for drug testing 24/7. These athletes of course have no saying in that procedure. It's like an inamte would have a say in what jail condition should be. Naive.

[@riccocool]

I'm around enough drug testing to know important people know when testing is going to happen.

[@gregs3301]

@@riccocool in what sport and what agency? Do you mean there are bribes involved?

[@riccocool]

@@gregs3301 in every day life everyone I know that is important to their employer get the information they need to survive. I know regular 100-150k/yr people so I can only imagine how easy it is for multi millionaires to navigate drug testing if they are important and not being sacrificed.

[@JD-bx7ob]

They're not inmates weirdo

[@lauralishes1]

The Conor thing is BS. USADA are pissed their biggest client is leaving them.The UFC always had the option to exempt fighters from the 6 month testing pool. They recently did it with Miesha Tate. They didnt have to end the contract to ďo it. It seems they have been thinking about leaving for a while. Joe Rogan has been calling for the UFC to end the contract for ages on his podcast. Talking about how they bang on fighters doors at 6am on the morning of the fight amongst numerous other things.

[@steinstolper]

you probably need to compare the ufc to some more doping prone sports like cycling or cross country sking. because the teamsports are treated different and more lenient. For all i know cyclist and cross country skier are subject to the same app where they register where they are. but it's not as strict as you make it seem to be. its by no means 24/7 but rather a aproximate location on where to find them, like the city and to tell them when someone is out of the country.

[@jblog9672]

MMA Guru sends his regards Ariel

[@sportsfan_913]

Am I the only one who thought Jeff Novitzky was like the head Usada guy? 😂

[@MadMango44]

Next year fighters are gonna come out looking like juggernaut

[@brendonford3838]

Hunter Campbell really did look like Harry Potter capturing the golden snitch like that…

[@randazza]

Ariel, your role in this past weekend's spectacle, and everything leading up to it.. 😞

[@dedetreek8893]

USADA are upset since they will be losing a large percentage of their income. Any entity/ business can chose to purchase a service from similar organisations, hence the change to Drug Free sports instead of USADA!!

[@MattWarb]

If USADA is mentioned in the fighters’ contracts, how does that affect the contracts? (If at all)

[@John-mx4qm]

What ufc is doing may be shady only time will tell but usada is coming of as really salty about the entire situation

[@djannias]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🤼 The feud between UFC and USADA has escalated, with USADA severing its 8-year relationship with the UFC. 00:54 📆 USADA's statement mentioned that Conor McGregor must re-enter the testing pool for at least 6 months before fighting again. 02:15 💼 The relationship between USADA and UFC became untenable due to disputes and statements made by UFC leaders. 03:26 💪 USADA emphasizes its commitment to a clean and fair sport and will continue to provide services until December 31, 2023. 05:10 📝 UFC fighters are treated as independent contractors but face strict 24/7 location reporting requirements for drug testing. 08:48 🚫 The UFC is creating its own drug testing program and demanding a retraction and apology from USADA for its statement. 12:02 🤝 Former FBI special agent George Pio will oversee the new drug testing program, but his prior connection to ATT raises questions. 14:51 🗓️ The transition to the new drug testing program will begin in January 2024, and it remains to be seen how it will impact fighters' schedules and rules. 15:34 ❓ The future role of USADA in MMA and how they might collaborate with other entities remains uncertain.

[@user-df4hn2hb7g]

🐐

[@lauralishes1]

Legend

[@BigShotBeans]

🐐

[@mellow978]

Thank you good sir!

[@benburnside5049]

Misread this video post and thought the heading was Ariel VS USADA feud. Honestly that sounded way more interesting.

[@ToniTheChamp]

0:45 Ariel doing straight up naruto hand signs for a while there. 😂

[@colbylandwehr3334]

When i heard about them drew blood from a severely dehydrated Costa on the morning of weigh-ins I was out on USADA

[@lauralishes1]

The Conor thing is BS. USADA are pissed their biggest client is leaving them.The UFC always had the option to exempt fighters from the 6 month testing pool. They recently did it with Miesha Tate. They didnt have to end the contract to ďo it. It seems they have been thinking about leaving for a while. Joe Rogan has been calling for the UFC to end the contract for ages on his podcast. Talking about how they bang on fighters doors at 6am on the morning of the fight amongst numerous other things.

[@spencestep1998]

Yeah i agree, im not usually on the side of the ufc but it seems like people are really buying into the narrative that the ufc is trying to let their stars be drug cheats. I could be wrong but it seems like thats exactly what usada wanted given that they are mad about losing a giant contract. I just dont think they would ruin their reputation to put together one event.

[@ItsReplayBro]

Am I the only one that is just now learning/hearing about a USADA app the fighters have to update ? I never knew about this until now.

[@SinghG2309]

Is there anything that the UFC can do right in aerials eyes? Constantly hammering them cause he got banned

[@riccocool]

When they said depending on what is disclosed in the meeting prior to the 6 months of testing they are saying Conor needed longer than 6 months because of what Conor took to heal his leg. Hello!!

[@lauralishes1]

So what? They all take meds prescribed by a doctor for bad breaks like that

[@riccocool]

@@lauralishes1 they all did?

[@brendondowdy5651]

I'm usually pro like fighters/media and against UFC management but on this one Dana and his team are completely right and USADA comes off looking terrible. It's clear usada is just salty that ufc isn't signing a new contract and they are acting like little kids who didn't get their way. Crazy for a business to lash out the way usada is.

[@billphillips7830]

Maybe. Or maybe they’re telling the truth. Conor just continues to stay out of competition growing his nose and Dana wants him back.

[@brendondowdy5651]

@billphillips7830 I'm not saying I believe Dana or conor. I'm saying its crazy unprofessional for a business to act the way usada is just because a client is dropping them.

[@Cozmo1994]

@@billphillips7830 telling the truth? So then why dont USADA tell everyone how they let Miesha and Brock fight without being in the testing pool? Maybe USADA knows allot of the morons will take their side simply because they mentioned connor, and not because they are loosing 30% of their income.

[@coffeeyouu]

Seems pretty clear Ariel didn’t watch the conference hunter and Jeff had yikes

[@BigSchmitt1236]

If you believe the UFC will have any 'serious' testing for PEDs after letting Jon Jones and McGregor juice up a whole year to come back, I got a bridge to sell you.

[@rumplespliffskin]

If you muted this video and watched it, you would swear he was busting the dopest rhyme in history.

[@michaelbreed7255]

Let them all juice to the gills. Let's see who's receptors have the highest affinity and who runs the best cycles. Imagine the fights! We'll get our first octagon death.

[@Cozmo1994]

Sterioids do not work that way, genius. Steroids is just a anti-inflammatory medicine used to help the human body heal while giving them a bit of muscle growth... that is why it is commonly prescribed to patients recovering from a bone break to muscle tears. Steriods do not make you faster, smarter, more athletic, more reactive, none of that. Do a smidge of research

[@MontCoRealtor]

the actual CLEAN fighters have no problem letting USADA know where they will be and when. The problem with prearranging locations or testing protocols is that it is VERY EASY to beat that test. As has been proven by the NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, Cycling, etc. The only time those athletes, who have been caught in the hundreds at this point, ever get caught is when there is a person who rats on everyone else. None of those other athletes ever failed a test but when they were put on the stand under perjury laws they admitted to years long usage and easily beating tests. The old adage applies, if you know what's coming, you are best able to prepare for it.

[@ytbenavraham9553]

I don't want drug free sports. I want the best athlete possible. Everybody is on steroids in sports and in general life. Nate Diaz broke it down. The punishment was dependent on who tested positive. At the end of the day $$$$ is King

[@rombaft]

Sorry, but this is general practice for pro athletes. Even if you only perform 1 or 2 times a year.

[@UnderTheBarWL]

It's not 24/7. It's one hour per day. What use would an ant doping system be if you only got tested for half the year 🤦

[@funkybit6857]

It is 24/7. They can be tested at anytime, on any day. That's the definition of 24/7.

[@dude7068]

first off... its the insinuation that UFC wanted an exemption to USADA through its statement. secondly, the UFC press conference was about using the "name" of Connor to attract attention and insinuated that he wanted an exception. At no point did Hunter or Jeff state that Connor was hurt by the statement. they said it was unfair. USADA should not be testing athletes on the morning of weight cutting. Thirdly, they are independent contractors like the employees of the MMA hour, however, the difference is that they are in a sport that could seriously injure their opponent. Ask Michael Lisping about his lost vision of his eye. New York rick and GC work for the MMA hour. would they be allowed to negotiate that they can get drunk and come to work? perhaps the MMA hour would allow that, but they are not locked in a cage at work fighting almost to the death. Have you come up with any solutions to the USADA misgivings and shortcomings? be fair in your critique, not just ramble on about what the UFC did wrong. thats not journalism and unfair when looking at this situation.

[@jdash24ful]

UFC fighters need to have an organization for themselves where they can have a voice and have rights.

[@Whysomean850]

UFC testing is a lot like tennis, which also has no union. However, in tennis players compete nearly every week.

[@Martdrew4]

Ariel said nothing this whole video he’s to scared to get on anyone bad side.

[@kayneryan9536]

They are independent contractors also under contract soooo

[@jpalacio305]

“Who cares everyone is on steroids” - Nate Diaz

[@MatthewH1111]

Off the mark here Ariel. Fighters chose to be apart of the UFC which makes them subject to fair play rules and a clean sport. They aren't forced to fight under the UFC. Regarding testing, fighters will nominate an hour a day, so if it is 6am when USADA arrives, it is because the fighters have selected it.

[@twofaaaace5188]

I doubt Volk wanted a 4am blood test while being jet lagged the day prior to fighting Max Holloway 😅

[@MatthewH1111]

If you check the rules, Volk actually would not have been required to answer the door if it was outside his nominated hour of testing@@twofaaaace5188

[@Cozmo1994]

so jiri signed up to be stuck 30-40 times in one month?

[@Traveler98_]

So funny how Conor is so obviously on steroids and nobody is saying anything about it. He gets special treatment cause he's a cash cow.

[@lgs4692]

Everyone knows that he’s on steroids but we can’t provide proof as he hasn’t failed nor even taken a drug test

[@navajo237]

That is essentially what the UFC is admitting to by leaving USADA. Sad really. But yo9 are right. No one is outright saying it.

[@kyartick8502]

​@@navajo237hunter said in the press conference that Conor took usada banned substances to help heal his leg and that conor wasn't gonna fight until he passed every drug test. The ufc never hid it. Dana even said as much months ago that healing from that injury takes certain things to speed it along. Get your head out of your butt maybe?

[@slickdon1]

Why are you commenting as if Conor is on steroids to cheat when it’s clearly because he had a completely broken leg that obviously required it to heal and won’t be allowed to fight till it gives him no advanced. And why you pretending no one’s said it? Nearly everyone has

[@Traveler98_]

@@slickdon1 so did Chris Weidman? He wasn't taking roids. And he returned faster than Conor did. No excuses.

[@user-tg8qo6nz9k]

I'm bored already

[@joshuaandrus4332]

Since when can’t a business change it’s mind and do something else oh my it’s a scandal

[@DJeMo]

Fair intergrity and safety in sport is what this is about, it stinks to high hell...

[@slicvm]

Cause they're calling it a sport, doofus

[@princenero1212]

We here for the realn

[@j.s3591]

Didn't the PFL announce that they were going to start using USADA for their drug testing? Did Ariel forgot about that announcement or did the PFL backed out at the last minute?

[@BigPercNowitzki]

Nah Ariel is a PFL shill and would never speak ill of anything they do

[@nycabhi99]

UFC can't be beholden to just one anti doping agency like USADA. There are plenty of organisations who do that work. UFC just partnered with one that does all the major leagues in various sports. And USADA name dropping Conor was just cheap and disgusting. UFC not wanting to renew has nothing to do with that but they just dragged his name to get attention.

[@kasperancher]

I thought Ariel was busy being involved in that clown show with scammers.

[@dannypage4324]

Matchroom does have a testing program in place now

[@MMAallday-]

Did USADA violate HIPAA laws by releasing details about Conor MacGregor's testing status? The Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient's consent or knowledge. They messed up big time!!!

[@MrJoJo0121]

After almost 5 days of sitting on this I can't expected a better take from our friend with the nose. Pretty surface level makes me wonder what he's keeping under his hat for the time being

[@joelsnyder4043]

Ariel and Luke Thomas both have mega hate boners for usada and have decided to ignore the actual story here - UFC FIRES USADA SO CONNOR CAN CHEAT - and have instead made this about "uSaDA bAd, aThLetEs nO cHoiCe" and it's an incredibly stupid take

[@dimitrisc8749]

The nosey guy is on MMAonPoint 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@richardtimms6645]

Volk knocks Islam out = Goat

[@Armen35]

Dana said that Connor would've submitted his paperwork sometimes this week so if he ends up fighting before 6 months then we'll know why all this happened

[@Cozmo1994]

But we all know he wont. He is being saved for UFC 300 which is more then 6 months from when he submitted his paperwork... Weird how USADA released this AFTER connor submitted the paperwork to get back into the pool.

[@Armen35]

@@Cozmo1994 UFC 300 should take place mid April if UFC keeps their traditional one ppv a month so that would be right at 6 months since the paperwork was submitted mid Oct.. I really don't care if he ever comes back I was just saying if its before we know why

[@tbone7353]

Usada dosen't have a app that's a huge reason for them leaving ufc gave them millions of dollars to develop it and got nothing for years

[@Onlybadtakes2589]

Ariel explain why you ran

[@brooklynknite]

What you saying is, I am for a clean sport but, than again, I am not for a clean sport .

[@shaneilogo2100]

Roll out the red carpet for TRT Vitor and Johny Hendricks.

[@A-DUBCLUB]

Dana upset at usada bcuz they released information which they shudnt have. Its like you go and see your doctor only to then see they shared online conor has rejoined the test pool. Maybe ufc wanted to be the one breaking that new.. similar to wen ariel heleani released the brock lesnar return.

[@daraghcuddy244]

Bit of a dumb comparison. Why would a marketing employee for example have to put into an app where they are 365... They aren't fighting

[@TruthfullySpeaking500]

I think everyone is missing the point that Conor could’ve reentered the pool whenever he wanted and chose not to because he was dirty. Its also unreal that he’s the reason or crux for their fallout. This is a ploy because everything from taking sponsor cuts, hiking up PPV prices and now getting rid of USADA and going with a cheaper alternative suggests the ufc is having real financial issues.

[@humfreee]

LOL. You're just making things up. UFC made more profit in 2022 than ever before ( see bloody elbow for details). USADA deal was for 8 million which they could easily afford.

[@jayscuffington]

Dana white got a taste of his own medicine

[@Gvrb15]

Basically the ufc wants them to let Connie Mac juice but they won’t.

[@gzzuss]

Imagine saying to your bigger athlete that he can't get treatment

[@greyman003]

The perceived conflict of interest will only exist if the relationship with a gym continues from 2024. However, if he steps away from the decision making should a fighter from that gym test positive, the risk of conflict is mitigated.

[@firstbradley3281]

Who fills in for him? It’s a big role for ufc to invest in and then they have to pay for another person yeah that’s not a good plan

[@greyman003]

@@firstbradley3281 Conflicts of interest are not new in life vs business. Having to step aside is likely to be a rare occurrence in the circumstances. Clearly I don't know the details of the plan. I hope someone else has already considered these issues.

[@dannyeverette4551]

I do agree that McGregor would burn the cup , but still its fighting , theres no usada with out the ufc

[@jginger245]

Implementing an extreme drug testing policy against independent contractors with out them contractors having a union is incredibly sketchy the NFL NBA and FIFA all do it that way

[@paulmcnallyfll8228]

You’ve seen all of this play out Hearn/Benn vs British boxing board with UKAD/vada, it’s an absolute joke. Drug cheats should be banned regardless and promoters should have no say or influence in the process

[@MrJcologne]

What a night ladies and gentlemen.

[@Oozaru89]

It's funny how the whole narrative changed 😅😅😅Ariel out there

[@PerN1660]

Man I hope chandler is doing any kind of juice in the book untill the fight, to at least even the playingfield against the company blessed cheater... WWE always loved their hulks

[@tbone7353]

Usada is not the gold standard anymore they have lost a few contracts this year clean sports has better tech if you watched the ufc press conference and the ufc is honoring and suspensions and testing pool entries

[@kyartick8502]

Is Ariel saying fighters should get to pick when they get tasted? Why bother have tests then? If thats anyone stance just grow a spine and say you dont want drug testing

[@druken.hyper.snyper6201]

Bro even tho they are independent contractors they signed a contract agreeing to the terms you are whining about. They got no one to blame but themselves.

[@THIS---GUY]

They have no bargaining leverage outside of a handful of fighters

[@whitehh15]

Ariel surprised that UFC employees don't have to update their locations for USADA 😂

[@Cozmo1994]

why would they? People who are not your employer should have complete and total access to your location at all times, its not in their contracts, the APP they use apparently sucks and does not work most of the time and USADA shows up at your door whenever they want to anyways even if its 3am in the morning before a fight. USADA should have kept it simple. We drug test you before your fight, thats it. Who gives a damn what you do at home, just do not bring it to work.

[@BullishBitcoinBanter_Bullshit]

Is there ANYONE that Ariel wouldn't side with over the UFC?

[@THIS---GUY]

Hamas?

[@dannyeverette4551]

For me the diaz brothers , Anderson, tito and chuck , really built the ufc and you cant foget jones

[@dannyeverette4551]

And joe rogan , he is up there with Anderson silva and the diaz brothers

[@lovelylemonfactory]

Why does Ariel feel the need to lie? What does he mean he doesn't think USADA meant to imply McGregor was dirty? Why else would they say that in the same sentence otherwise?

[@navajo237]

I think the larger point in that statement was how USADA had the right to keep an athlete in its testing pool, continuing to test well passed the 6 month mark, because of factors that could be presented by the athlete upon returning to the testing pool. Meaning, if they tested Conor, and his base numbers were not what they before his leg injury, but he still was testing "clean" USADA could mandate he stay in the testing pool longer, and not clear him to fight, because it would be indicating he used something within the period of his recovery. Sounds like the UFC knows he did this, and USADA wont budge.

[@kyartick8502]

Well usada took back what they said about Conor soooo

[@kyartick8502]

I'm guessing you didn't watch the hunter and Jeff press conference talking about thenwhole usada thing?

[@wasupfool5692]

Well Conor and the UFC wanting to skip the 6 month testing is an obvious sign, they don't want to have a Brock Lesner situation again

[@Gratefulfellow]

Yeah good riddance to USADA. They are not the end all be all. USADA statement is like that Jilted girlfriend showing temper tantrum. USADA just lost their cash cow and am happy USADA is leaving.

[@gamebredo8880]

Fighters hate usada I get it..but to really catch who is cheating or not you need to to do it like usada.. knocking doors in 4:00 am that's how to do it in my opinion

[@dannyeverette4551]

Everybody knows conor took peds , overreem, silva, and brock and many others , thays why the fans decide the winner and not the judges or some plastic belt

[@michaeljordan3084]

Ok everyone is ignoring the recent merger with wwe. Second I know for a fact, the undercard fighters are rarely tested, I personally know a fighter who fought juiced and cracked, wasted busted. It’s silly to think these fighters aren’t doing peds. Even Comier is very careful on how he words himself, he’s never got caught, and that’s what he sticks to. The falco labs story explains how these fighters and athletes get around the testing, it’s fairly easy….lance armstrong would have gotten away with it, he got snitched on.

[@shakomako8469]

Ariel having a field day with this lol

[@GalactusOG]

Jones 5 USADA fails. DQ from goat conversation.

[@liltormentor-fj5vs]

Ufc fighters arent independent contractors when theyre under contract. When theyre free agents theyre independent. Obviously.

[@THIS---GUY]

No that is incorrect. Under contract they are considered "independent contractors". They are not employees of the UFC

[@Synthetic-Rabbit]

How does ones entire garage "break"?

[@jvanek8512]

04:53 horrible analogy because if you put it in THE CONTRACT as requirements to do the job they would have to. They can refuse the contract.

[@neilbrown3972]

Drug free sport matchroom use so incorrect.

[@buckminsterfullerene2149]

UFC doing everything they can to get that juiced up mick back in the octagon

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

Who cares. It’s us fans who make the sport what it is and Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire was such a entertaining time.

[@Thunderfist_McBeefcake]

What Ariel knows is what he’s told.

[@denimandlead7725]

That’s literally all any of us know

[@mumble97]

@@denimandlead7725 Wtf is he on about 🤣

[@SosopChabot]

@@mumble97he’s stating obvious facts, don’t know what’s so complicated

[@jeffn2723]

@@denimandlead7725 Men say they know many things; But lo! they have taken wings, - The arts and sciences, And a thousand appliances; The wind that blows Is all that any body knows. - H.D.T.

[@childofmarxandcoke]

Thanks for defining what a journalist is