USADA open to explaining UFC anti-doping cases

USADA has indicated that it may be open to “reasoned decisions” when it comes to resolution of cases with a UFC fighter.

USADA CEO Travis Tygart told MMA Junkie that the agency would be open to providing the underlying facts of a case and provide context for how and why an agency makes the decision.  This would address questions about the reasons behind a resolution of a matter as well as acceptance of a suspension.  Currently, the standard procedure under the UFC Anti-Doping Policy is for USADA to provide a short press release confirming basic facts, a summary of the evidence (e.g., a failed urine test) and the sanction imposed.

The potential to provide more information would provide transparency behind the program and alleviate concern from fighters about USADA.  Of course, the new process would mean more time and resources spent to author these reports.  Also, the UFC has not chimed in on this either.

Payout Perspective:

If “reasoned decisions” would make fighters more willing to work with USADA and feel less threatened about the process, it should happen.  Of course, the time and resources spent to do this would mean additional costs borne upon Zuffa.  This would likely cut into the operational expenses of the company and one might infer you’d see this recouped in other ways.  But, the USADA policy is not going away and anyway to alleviate any concerns with fighters should be looked into.