The Professional Fighters League has brought the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) on board to run the PFL’s anti-doping program, per a report by ESPN.
In an e-mail to athletes, PFL President of Fighter Operations Ray Sefo revealed the news, noting that “education sessions” for fighters could begin as early as this week.
A USADA representative had previously confirmed to Cageside Press that the two sides were in talks. On Tuesday, the same rep issued a statement to Cageside Press, saying that “In response to online reports, we can confirm that USADA has begun serving as the official independent anti-doping program for the Professional Fighters League as of July 11, 2023.”
“This agreement demonstrates the PFL’s firm commitment to the integrity of competition and the safety of its fighters. Details on the program, including PFL’s Anti-Doping Policy, can be found at PFL.USADA.org.”
Also overseeing the UFC’s Anti-Doping program, USADA has already launched the aforementioned sub-site on their official website, geared towards PFL athletes.
In an announcement released Tuesday, USADA officials wrote that “The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) are pleased to announce a five (5) year partnership to launch a robust and comprehensive anti-doping program for PFL athletes around the globe.
“USADA will serve as the independent third-party administrator of PFL’s year-round Anti-Doping Policy beginning on July 11, 2023.”
The organization has been handling the UFC’s drug-testing duties since 2015.
This past April, the PFL spent a three-fight stint in Las Vegas, where the Nevada State Athletic Commission oversaw drug testing for PFL fighters. A full ten athletes from those three cards, including 2022 light heavyweight champ Rob Wilkinson and big free agent acquisition Thiago Santos, were flagged for banned substances. All ten fighters wound up pulled from the 2023 season.
The league’s 2023 playoffs commence next month, kicking off in San Antonio, Texas on August 4 at the Boeing Center at Tech Port.
