The aftermath of UFC 284 still echoes in the MMA world as fans and experts continue to debate the controversial outcome of the Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski fight. Adding to the controversy is the accusation by Dan Hooker that the Dagestani fighter Makhachev used an IV before his fight with Volkanovski, which has brought to light the UFC’s conduct and potentially indicates a loophole in the USADA system regarding the use of certain substances.
Amidst this turmoil, Jeff Novitzky, the UFC executive in charge of Athlete Health and Performance, has stepped up to provide clarification on the UFC’s behalf regarding the workings of IV and the conduct that the UFC and USADA follow for it.
UFC official comments on IV allegations
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The UFC’s Senior VP of Athlete Health and Performance, Jeff Novitzky, recently took to Twitter to explain the use of IV in the UFC. In a series of tweets, Novitzky explained the circumstances under which IV can be used, the acceptable amount permitted, and the mandatory requirement for athletes to disclose its use.
Check out the tweets by Jeff Novitzky below:
UFC Anti-Doping Program's (UFC ADP) IV rule was modified in 2019. Athletes, managers and support have rec'd multiple advisories on this rule change beginning in 2019. All UFC ADP rules have been publicly posted since 2015. The IV rule advisories included the following:
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 16, 2023
The following IVs are now permitted without a TUE:
Those rec'd in the course of hospital treatments, surgical procedures, clinical diagnostic investigations;
Those rec'd from a licensed medical prof. after a licensed physician determines that they are medically justified;
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 16, 2023
IVs of less than a total of 100 mL per 12-hour period;
Separate of the UFC ADP rules, athletic commissions require any athlete who receives an IV during fight week to (1) obtain permission from the commission before receiving an IV and;
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 16, 2023
(2) disclose use of that IV to the commission after its use.
Despite the fact that IV use is now permitted under UFC ADP if administered by a “licensed medical professional after a licensed physician determines they are medically justified,”
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 16, 2023
the required disclosure of such use to an athletic commission could possibly jeopardize the commission licensing the fight.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 16, 2023
Since Islam Makhachev came under scrutiny for allegedly misusing IV, this sequence of tweets aids in clarifying any misconceptions on the subject and provides a broader perspective on it.
However, Makhachev has spoken out and come clean from his end, further emphasizing the need for transparency in the hour.
Islam Makhachev speaks out on the accusations
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Although Islam Makhachev successfully defended his title against Alexander Volkanovski, he cannot fully celebrate the moment due to the accusations of cheating prior to the fight. Specifically, he has been accused of using an IV to enhance his performance, which has cast doubt on the legitimacy of his victory.
During an interview with Red Corner MMA, Makhachev responded to the allegations made by Dan Hooker, stating that nobody has any problem with him and that he has done nothing wrong. Makhachev said, “Some fighters are trying to push this narrative, but the UFC and USADA have no issues with me,”
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Although Jeff Novitzky’s take on the situation offers a better angle to look at it with. However, these accusations continue to circulate in the fighting community, leaving a cloud of suspicion hanging over Makhachev’s victory.
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