PFL and anti-doping program USADA have split.

MMA Junkie confirmed the partnership between the fight promotion and drug testing program is over after several fighters and their teams were notified of their removal from the pool.

"We can confirm the parties have agreed to end the partnership, and we wish PFL, and most importantly, PFL athletes, the best going forward," USADA said to MMA Junkie in a written statement. "We were honored to serve the athletes with a robust, gold-standard program implemented in the unique tournament style format of the PFL."

While it's unclear exactly when the program terminated, tournament athletes were notified in late August.

PFL has replaced USADA with another anti-doping partner, however. The Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, headed by former ABC president Mike Mazzulli, will serve as the promotion's anti-doping regulator. Mazzulli previously headed Bellator's anti-doping efforts during its time under Viacom and oversees PFL's international events.

"This new program reflects PFL’s continued commitment to athlete health, safety, and an even playing field across all competitions including PFL World Tournament, Champions Series, and PFL’s international leagues, PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa," PFL said in a written statement to MMA Junkie on Monday."With the expansion of PFL’s global footprint, the organization is evolving toward a single, consistent system for all athletes worldwide under the anti-doping oversight of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation. This change enables the PFL to implement a robust, unified anti-doping system that ensures fairness, transparency, and global consistency for PFL fighters across all leagues and events."

PFL hired USADA in July 2023 after a slew of its fighters failed state drug tests in Nevada. The failures resulted in suspensions, fines, and overturned results. It's unclear if the promotion plans to hire a new independent drug testing program, or if it'll revert to solely relying on the state commission programs.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL splits from USADA, announces new drug testing partner

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