PFL confirms USADA partnership after massive PED scandal rocks the 2023 season

During the second half of the 2023 season, it was hinted that PFL was working on a deal with USADA. The news came after 10 fighters were pulled from the season, including two former champions, for failing drug tests. 

Now, it’s been confirmed that USADA is on board. 

According to an email sent by Ray Sefo to the fighters and their teams, the program would be “very similar, with minor distinctions” from the program that USADA runs with the UFC. 

Read the full email sent, per MMA Junkie. 

“PFL Fighters,

We are proud to announce that today we are formally launching the PFL Anti-Doping Program in partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

USADA conducts year-round, independent anti-doping programs for all Olympic, Paralympic, and UFC athletes, and will now do so for PFL athletes as well.

This program is part of the PFL’s commitment as a fighter first organization to supporting a safe, level playing field and advancing the highest levels of competition and the integrity of the sport.

The program will begin immediately with initial educational sessions being scheduled with USADA this week for participants in the upcoming Playoffs. Educational sessions to explain the program will be scheduled with other fighters thereafter. It is strongly recommended that each fighter have their coach, manager, or other key support person join the educational sessions.

The PFL Fighter Ops Team will follow up shortly with more details.

In the meantime, more information about the program is available in the attached FAQs and at http://PFL.USADA.org.

Ray Sefo
President of Fighter Operations”

The fighters will be given informational sessions and were told that for the start, whereabout issues will be waived as fighters learn the process. 

The PFL returns for the PFL Playoffs in August.