MMA News Roundup: Conor McGregor and Joe Rogan Blamed for UFC-USADA End; Khamzat Chimaev vs Kamaru Usman Winner to Face Sean Strickland; Dana White and Co. Sign a Deal With Saudi Arabia

There have been some significant developments in the world of MMA over the last 24 hours. However, the lack of time and the daily strenuous schedule often make fans miss out on some of the most noteworthy events in our favorite sports. But there is nothing to worry about as we bring another roundup edition to keep you up-to-date with the biggest headlines.

We will start off with Conor McGregor and Joe Rogan, who have been blamed for the end of USADA’s partnership with the UFC. Then we will shift our focus to the co-main event of UFC 294, which has huge title implications. Finally, we will sum up our daily news compilation with the UFC signing a deal with Saudi Arabia.

Conor McGregor and Joe Rogan come under fire for USADA-UFC partnership’s end

USADA recently shared a statement, confirming that Conor McGregor has indeed submitted samples for drug testing and enlisted in the pool. However, they also mentioned that there will be no exceptions for Conor McGregor. They reiterated that just like any fighter, he also has to go through the due process. However, the doping agency mentioned doubts about the UFC honoring the six-month program. This is because their partnership with Dana White‘s promotion will end at the beginning of next year.

“Unfortunately, we do not currently know whether the UFC will ultimately honor the six-month or longer requirement because, as of January 1, 2024, USADA will no longer be involved with the UFC Anti-Doping Program,” stated USADA’s CEO Travis Tygart. Moreover, Tygart also mentioned the comments made by Joe Rogan in an episode of his podcast.

Read More: Despite Animosity With Brazilians Since Jose Aldo Incident, Conor McGregor Breaks Character for UFC’s South American Star

The 56-year-old recently suggested that USADA should avoid overseeing the UFC’s anti-doping system. He said this in light of the fact that fighters need to stay in the pool for six months. The statement read, “One UFC commentator echoed this, recently declaring that USADA should not oversee the UFC program since we held firm to the six-month rule involving McGregor.” Some fans are now worried that fighters may use PEDs after the partnership between USADA and the UFC ends. We will have to wait and see how this affects the promotion going forward.

Huge title implications on the UFC 294 co-main event

After Paulo Costa pulled out of UFC 294 with less than two weeks away from the event, Khamzat Chimaev has found a replacement opponent. It is none other than the former welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. The fight proves to be an enticing prospect as they clash heads at Abu Dhabi. Moreover, there is a huge title implication on the outcome of the fight.

The UFC 294 co-main event will be a middleweight bout. And the winner of that fight will go on to challenge Sean Strickland for the middleweight strap, as reported by Kevin Lole of Yahoo Sports. This has raised doubts regarding Israel Adesanya‘s hopes for a rematch against ‘Tarzan’. As such, it seems like ‘Izzy’ might have to take a different route to get back into the title picture.

UFC signs a deal for an event in Saudi Arabia

After the PFL sold its minority stakes to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, the UFC made its way to the Middle Eastern nation. Dana White’s promotion recently inked a deal with the General Entertainment authority to hold a Fight Night event in 2024. Moreover, the event will be a part of the Riyadh Season. This is a sports and entertainment festival that coincides with the local winter season.

Conor McGregor was seemingly overjoyed with this development as he congratulated the UFC for the huge with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he even sent his regards to the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, for bringing the UFC to the Middle Eastern region.

Watch This Story: Is the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa Fight Happening on UFC 294?