![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1137861256.jpg?width=600)
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SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – APRIL 18: Islam Makhachev of Russia interacts with the media during the UFC Fight Night Ultimate Media Day at Hotel Astoria on April 18, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1137861256.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – APRIL 18: Islam Makhachev of Russia interacts with the media during the UFC Fight Night Ultimate Media Day at Hotel Astoria on April 18, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The entire saga around UFC 284 just doesn’t seem to have an end. After the alleged accusations against Islam Makhachev of IV usage, the story took yet another turn as another shocking news started doing the rounds online. As per a now-deleted tweet, certain rumors regarding drug testing during fight week had popped up, shocking the MMA community. Interestingly, an Australian fighter came out denying those rumors and putting the baseless claims to rest.
As per the tweet, only non-Australian fighters were tested on Wednesday before UFC 284. Shockingly, it even claimed the UFC exec Jeff Novitzky himself had given confirmation of it. In response, UFC heavyweight Justin Tafa came out with a statement claiming that everyone was tested on that particular day. The absence of any updates on the original claim plus Tafa‘s response pretty much puts the rumor to rest as of now.
Staggering claims on UFC 284 drug tests proven wrong after Justin Tafa’s statement
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As per the claims made in the deleted tweet, only non-Australian fighters were made to undergo drug testing on Wednesday. Surprisingly, it even mentioned that Jeff Novitzky too had confirmed this news; although there have been no such official reports yet.
The now-deleted tweet read :
“It turns out that ONLY non-Australian fighters were subjected to drug tests on Wednesday before UFC 284. That is horrible in the middle of cutting weight. This was confirmed by Jeff Novitsky. This 284 stuff never ends #ufc”
In response, New Zealand-born Australian fighter Justin Tafa, who was also a part of the UFC 284 card, came out stating that not just non-Australians but everyone was drug tested on that day.
We all had blood tests on Wednesday
— Justin Tafa (@justin_tafa) February 23, 2023
Tafa‘s response seemed to have put the rumors to rest. And considering that there were no reports or any sort of official confirmation, fans can safely say that it was purely baseless and mere speculation.
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Latest updates surrounding the UFC 284 accusations against Islam Makhachev
Following Dan Hooker‘s tweets calling out Makhachev for alleged IV usage, the Russian’s team has come out and rubbished those claims multiple times. Despite sparking debates among fans and analysts; there seems to be no credible evidence of any wrongdoing on Makhachev‘s part currently.
Read More: Amid IV Accusations, Islam Makhachev Makes Huge Statement: “Time to Rest”
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Now, Senior VP of Athlete Health and Performance for the UFC, Jeff Novitzky also made a statement on the issue recently. While referring to the Australian commission, the UFC exec mentioned that the commission itself has not found any evidence of him violating any rules. Without making any further statements on it, Novitzky appears to have put the issue at rest, at least for now.
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