12up Logo

If UFC Fighters Are Still Getting Drug Tested, We Can at Least Test Them for Coronavirus Too

By Evan Wolff

USADA has continued to drug-test UFC fighters despite its next three events getting postponed due to COVID-19.
USADA has continued to drug-test UFC fighters despite its next three events getting postponed due to COVID-19. / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

The health of a mixed maartial artists is often scrutinized -- and pushed to the limit -- more than in any other sport. From fight announcement to fight night, MMA athletes are closely monitored as they train, adopt strict nutritonal regimens, and engage in difficult, occasionally risk weight cuts -- all while being tested by the US Anti-doping Agency (USADA) for banned substances.

It is this ongoing testing that has many in the UFC curious as to why similar resources are not being used to test them for COVID-19 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Fighters are required to randomly test with USADA in order to remain in with UFC in good standing, and veteran fighters like Cub Swanson are now wondering out loud why coronavirus testing can't be included given these perilous times.

Since these drug tests are already paid for by the UFC, why wouldn't they take in to account the health and safety of their athletes and protect others from possible exposure, especially given the fact that these athletes have no labor union and generally earn far, far less than their counterparts in our major sports?

For so many reasons, this should be a no-brainer, especially if Dana White is going to continue to try and put on fights while health and safety cannot be fully guaranteed. Not only can he help his case for putting on fights by proving his athletes are being taken care of and closely monitored; such results would also provide national health services with key data for exactly how far the disease is spreading, and how quickly.

It seems a bit ridiculous that USADA is continuing to test UFC athletes without the organization finding a way to test for COVID-19. If there is such a high priority for making sure athletes stay "clean" during this down time in sports, adding coronavirus screenings should be a no-brainer.

Otherwise, it becomes clear that these drug screenings aren't being conducted with the health of the athletes as the top priority.