The former interim champion, who has not failed a USADA issued drug test before, says he wasn?t tested at all before the event.
"They didn?t test me one time leading up to this fight,? Covington said at the UFC 245 media day (via Steven Marrocco of MMA Fighting). ?They know I?m clean ? that?s probably why they didn?t test me. Where?s the testing? I love USADA; I love Jeff Noviztky, but c?mon, guys, let?s be honest. USADA works for the UFC, so you really think that the UFC is going to pull a main event or test a guy that could potentially fail the test and ruin their business? I don?t think so.?
It is unknown at this time just how many times USADA tested each fighter who is competing on tonight?s card.
Covington also admits that he requested that USADA test his UFC 245 opponent for EPO.
?I did ask for it extensively with emails and whatnot, and I was hoping they were going to do it,? Covington said. ?I was going to pay $25,000 to piss clean in a cup in New York, but he couldn?t do it. He just completely avoided the subject. I brought it up twice to him, and he just acted like he couldn?t even deny it. So I think it showed his reaction at the press conference ? he?s obviously on steroids.?
UFC 245 takes place tonight from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.