UFC Anti-Doping Program 2024: What does ‘therapeutic use exemption’ mean on new policy post-USADA era?

The UFC Anti-Doping Program began in 2015 with the United States Anti-Doping Agency. The decision stemmed from the promotion’s need to create a safe and fair environment for the fighters. Before USADA, many fighters were using illegal methods to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.

However, the extremely stringent drug testing policy of the USADA came at loggerheads with the UFC, particularly after the alleged steroid use of the sport’s biggest superstar, “The Notorious” Conor McGregor. From January 1, 2024, Drug-Free Sports International will be the anti-doping partner for the UFC Anti-Doping Program.

What does ‘therapeutic use exemption’ mean on UFC’s new policy?

Under the USADA, the UFC anti-doping policy does not allow athletes to consume banned substances under the USADA’s banned substance list. However, fighters can take certain banned substances for health reasons under the ‘therapeutic use exemption’.

Recently, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin, Usman Nurmagomedov, who is the Bellator lightweight champion, got a short suspension after he failed to file a therapeutic use exemption’ by the California State Athletic Commission. Moreover, his unanimous decision victory over Brent Primus was changed to a No Contest.

Under the USADA, the fighters filing therapeutic use exemption had to provide proof that the substance they take would only help their health and does not provide any performance-enhancing benefits. This complied with the World Anti-Doping Agency TUE test.

However, that is not the case as of January 2024. The UFC allows leniency, as they do not have to provide proof of no performance enhancements when filing a TUE. Combat Sports Regulatory Lawyer Erik Magraken tweeted, “The language is more lenient than the WADA TUE test.” about the new TUE conditions given out by the UFC.

Why did USADA sever their relationship with UFC?

The UFC and USADA have had an almost cordial relationship ever since the not-for-profit organization became the anti-doping partner agency of the UFC. However, their initial bliss did not translate well into the following years.

Dana White and the UFC have on many occasions praised the USADA for their role in cleaning out the sport. However, their stringent testing policy, which is best suited for track and field athletes, caused a lot of problems for fighters in the UFC who have to deal with career-threatening injuries even during training.

Things reached a boiling point when the UFC chose not to renew the deal with USADA in October 2023. This was around the time when Conor McGregor re-entered the USADA testing pool after he pulled out of the pool following his unfortunate leg break at UFC 264. It needs to be noted that UFC commentator Joe Rogan had insinuated McGregor’s steroid use. Ironically, McGregor has even accused Islam Makhachev of steroid use following his rise to the pound-for-pound king status.

The USADA used McGregor as a scapegoat stating that the Irishman was the main reason for UFC not resigning with the USADA. They put insinuated a story that the UFC wanted McGregor inside the octagon even before the mandatory six-month period inside the testing pool. UFC CEO Dana White and other officials then sent a stern message to the USADA and even threatened to sue them for defamation.

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