Anthony Pettis Suing USADA Over Hand Injury Before UFC 241
Anthony Pettis reveals that he was fighting “compromised” against Nate Diaz at UFC 241.
Pettis spoke on “The Ariel Helwani MMA Show” this week, and revealed he’s suing the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) after suffering a cut during their testing process before fighting Diaz. USADA requested a second test sample from him before the fight after his first was too diluted, due to recent rehydration. Pettis waited over an hour to provide the second sample, and was cut by the edge of the bottle. “Showtime” said he had to fight like an “amateur” against Diaz. (H/T MMA Fighting)
”I had to fight compromised,” Pettis said. “I gave USADA a chance to make it right, but right now, we’re going through the court. I’ve got to sue them.”
“”Showtime” has hired anti-doping attorney Howard Jacobs to represent him, as he has represented the likes of Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar in the past. Pettis’ manager, Abe Kawa, has also revealed that both the UFC and bottle manufacturers are being named in the suit. The decision to sue USADA came after representatives allegedly stopped responding to his team. Both USADA and California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) head Andy Foster have declined comment.
Pettis went on to lose to Diaz via unanimous decision, despite pleas from his longtime coach, Duke Roufus, not to go through with the fight.
”I wish he wouldn’t have fought, because it showed in his performance, unfortunately,” Roufus said. “Here’s the thing, when it happened, it affects you making a fist and also affects you grappling, because you need your thumb to grab things.”
What do you think about Pettis suing USADA for the hand injury before fighting Diaz?
