The 10 UFC athletes tested most by USADA in 2023

UFC fighters tested most by USADA. Photo via Instagram (@ariane.sorrisoufc) and (@borrachinhamma)

In 2023, U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) tested 739 mixed martial artists a combined 4,231 times.

However, the promotion’s partnership with USADA nears its end, their new anti-doping program will officially begin December 31.

Here are the 10 fighters USADA tested the most from January 1 to December 26, 2023!

Clay Guida – 20

Clay Guida. Photo: Jason Silva-USA TODAY Sports

Seasoned veteran Clay ”The Carpenter” Guida was tested 20 times over the past 12 months.

He competed twice in 2023, losing both fights against Rafa Garcia and Joaquim Silva via unanimous decision. He last competed on December 2.

Kamaru Usman – 20

Kamaru Usman. Photo via UFC (Twitter)

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has also been tested 20 times in 2023.

”The Nigerian Nightmare” had a rough year as a fighter.

At UFC 286 in March, he lost the title fight rematch against Leon Edwards via a majority decision. In October he acted as a short-notice replacement against Khamzat Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi. Usman fought well but again lost via majority decision.

Jessica Andrade – 21

Jessica Andrade. Photo: David G. McIntyre – USA TODAY Sports

USADA tested former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade 21 times during the past 12 months.

Andrade had a busy year in the cage too. With five fights in 2023, two wins and three defeats, she was one of the most active fighters on the roster.

In her last outing, the Brazilian defeated Mackenzie Dern via a devastating second-round TKO.

Marlon Vera – 21

Photo: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Bantamweight title challenger Marlon ”Chito” Vera was also tested 21 times in 2023.

”Chito” fought twice during the year. In March he lost a split decision bout to Cory Sandhagen but bounced back in August with a unanimous decision win against Pedro Munhoz.

In March next year he will face bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in a rematch at UFC 299.

Magomed Ankalaev – 22

Magomed Ankalaev. Photo: Peter Casey – USA TODAY Sports

Light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev was tested 22 times in 12 months.

The Dagestani had a tough time lately with one draw and one no-contest in his last two fights.

At UFC 294 in October he clashed with Johnny Walker but the fight ended in a no-contest after an illegal knee by Ankalaev. The two will face each other on January 13 in a rematch.

Ariane Carnelossi – 23

Ariane Carnelossi. Photo via Instagram (@ariane.sorrisoufc)

UFC strawweight Ariane Carnelossi was tested no less than 23 times in 2023, even though she did not compete.

Her last fight was on May 7, 2022, when she lost to Lupita Godinez via unanimous decision.

Shara Magomedov – 25

Shara Magomedov. Photo via Instagram (@shara_bullet77)

UFC newcomer Shara Magomedov was tested 25 times by USADA in 2023.

The 29-year-old Dagestani made his promotional debut at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi and defeated Bruno Silva via unanimous decision.

Magomedov holds a perfect 12-0 record with 11 wins coming via stoppage.

Jon Jones – 26

Jon Jones. Photo via UFC (Twitter)

Jon Jones was tested 26 times in 2023 but only competed once. He returned to action after a two-year layoff to conquer the heavyweight throne with an impressive first-round stoppage win against Ciryl Gane.

Jones was scheduled to defend his heavyweight belt against former champion Stipe Miocic in November but the fight fell through due to an injury.

Charles Johnson – 33

Charles Johnson in one of the UFC fighters tested most by USADA. Photo via Instagram (@innergmma)

Charles Johnson had a tough 2023 with 33 USADA tests and three UFC losses.

”While I have no problem with a healthy clean sport, 2023 was A bit excessive but hey, is what it is! Almost every one of these test were blood and urine,” Johnson commented on the testing.

Paulo Costa – 36

Paulo Costa. Photo via YouTube

Middleweight fan favorite Paulo Costa was USADA tested 36 times in 2023 – but did not fight a single time.

Costa was scheduled to clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 but was forced to withdraw due to a bad staph infection and was replaced by Kamaru Usman.

The Brazilian will instead face former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker on February 17 at UFC 298.

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