The UFC, after seeing three events canceled due to the coronavirus, is back in action next weekend with UFC 249, which is going to be headlined by a bout for the vacant interim lightweight title as former UFC Interim Lightweight Champion Tony Ferguson faces former WSOF Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje.
Dana White has stated that UFC 249 and all UFC cards for the next two months are going to be held at a secret location, which reports have stated is going to be the Tachi Palace Resort Casino in Lemoore, California.
Many have wondered if the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), who is the UFC’s drug testing partner, will have a role at the event.
Marc Raimondi of ESPN would get a statement from USADA, which he shared through Twitter:
I asked USADA about drug testing for UFC 249. Here is the statement from director of communications Adam Woullard: pic.twitter.com/Ta7yuQwmsA
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) April 8, 2020
“With all consideration to athlete safety and logistical challenges, we’re going to do everything in our power to conduct event testing. Just like the referees in the octagon, our doping control officers are an essential part of a fair fight.”
UFC 249 takes place on Saturday, April 18 from the Tachi Palace Resort Casino in Lemoore, California with Tony Ferguson and Justin Gaethje headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
