UFC 278’s random drug test has Paulo Costa fuming

UFC anti-doping program partner has earned Paulo Costa’s wrath.

UFC 278 fighter Costa (13-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC) hit the scale at 185.5 pounds on Friday and promptly issued an expletive-filled message to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, the promotion’s drug testing partner (USADA).

“F*ck USADA,” Costa said.

“The guy waited in my bedroom at 7 a.m., ready to take my blood. F*ck USADA.”

Shortly later, Costa tweeted further details about his dispute with USADA. Three hours before the start of the weigh-in window in Salt Lake City, a USADA agent arrived up to take Costa’s blood, as he recounted to the media.

“F*ck the the boss on USADA who sent their agents this morning at my sleep room 6 am to take my blood out!!!” Costa wrote. “I was cutting weight very dehydrated and they wants took my blood! F*ck those guys!!! I never been caught by USADA test I don’t need this f*ck sh*t.”

The random nature of USADA’s drug testing has been a source of frustration for many boxers. The current UFC featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, recently expressed similar frustrations when he said USADA showed up to drug test him hours before his rematch with Max Holloway. That night, Volkanovski had taken melatonin pills to help him sleep. Water loading was necessary for Volkanovski because he couldn’t urinate to provide a urine sample.

This Saturday, UFC 278 will be held at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City. Following preliminary rounds on ABC/ESPN and early rounds on ESPN+, the main card will be shown on pay-per-view.