UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka became the most tested athlete in 2022. Up to now, Prochazka has been tested 51 times, many times more than the rest of UFC athletes who average around 15 tests per year.
USADA has an independent testing program where they would test athletes in-competition and out-competition. The latter occurred at any given time and it is kind of hard to see how they work, especially with them not publicly sharing their testing methods.
They use a combination of blood and urine tests.
From the outside, it looks like the USADA is testing athletes randomly, resulting in some athletes having more tests than the others. A recent report showed that Jiri Prochazka, who became UFC light heavyweight champion back in June, has been tested for a total of 51 tests.
TSN Reporter Aaron Bronsteter shared the report on his Twitter account, showing Prochazka with 51 tests. A very different number compared to the others which don’t even reach 20 tests. Prochazka is reported to have undergone 15 tests this October alone.
Athletes who have submitted the most samples in 2022:
J. Prochazka 51
M. Kape 15
K. Usman 15
A.Carnelossi 14
M. Cirkunov 14
N. Magny 14
R. Namajunas 13
H. Cejudo 12
P. Costa 12
J. Masvidal 12— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) October 26, 2022
FC Senior VP of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky was baffled by the report. He also reflected on Jon Jones who underwent a massive amount of tests in 2019.
“In 2019, [Jon Jones] was subject to 42 no-notice drug tests by 3 separate entities (USADA, CSAC and NSAC). In my 20 years experience in the anti-doping world, this is the highest volume of yearly tests that I have ever seen on one athlete, in any sport.” Novitzky said.
In 2019, @JonnyBones was subject to 42 no-notice drug tests by 3 separate entities (USADA, CSAC and NSAC). In my 20 years experience in the anti-doping world, this is the highest volume of yearly tests that I have ever seen on one athlete, in any sport.
— Jeff Novitzky (@JeffNovitzkyUFC) February 3, 2020
Jon Jones’ case may be logical as the former light heavyweight champion tested positive several times.
As for Prochazka, USADA may be suspecting him of PED abuse and are looking to build a biological profile of him. Czech athlete is a knockout artist, winning 25 out of his 29 victories via knockout. Prochazka is currently undefeated with a 12 win streak.