The UFC earlier this year teased a significant transformation to its drug testing policy. On Wednesday, that transformation became a reality.
Jeff Novitzy, the UFC’s new Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance, outlined a series of dramatic changes at a press conference in Las Vegas intended to create what he termed “the best anti-doping program in all of professional sports.” The new program, which includes a partnership the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, is expected to roll out July 1.
The UFC’s entire roster of 500+ fighters will soon be subject to unannounced, year-round in- and out-of-competition drug testing, including both blood and urine testing, regardless of their locale or status.
The announcement comes on the heels of the Nevada Athletic Commission’s sweeping series of changes to its own drug testing program, which included a swathe of increased punishments for failed tests. The UFC’s new program emulated a series of similar changes, although there are a few differences. A revamped list of UFC sanctions can be seen below.
“Non-specified substances”
As defined by WADA code: Anabolic steroids, growth hormones, peptides, blood doping drugs and methods (tested for in- and out-of competition):
- 1st offense: 2 years (with possibility of 4 years for “aggravating circumstances”)
- 2nd offense: Double the sanction for the 1st offense
- 3rd offense: Double the sanction for the 2nd offense
“Specified substances”
As defined by WADA code: marijuana, cocaine, other stimulants and glucocorticosteroids (tested for in-competition only):
- 1st offense: 1 years (with possibility of 2 additional years for “aggravating circumstances”)
- 2nd offense: Double the sanction for the 1st offense
- 3rd offense: Double the sanction for the 2nd offense
“Today is a huge win for the athletes in the UFC as they set a new standard for all professional sport in protecting the rights and health of clean athletes and the integrity of competition,” said USADA CEO Travis Tygart.
“The UFC has taken a bold and courageous leap forward for the good of its athletes in developing a comprehensive and cutting edge anti-doping policy expressly modeled on the key elements of the WADA Anti-Doping Program and by having it run by an independent and transparent National Anti-Doping Organization. USADA looks forward to supporting clean athletes in this sport, as in all sport, to achieve success on the playing field fairly and safely.”
More on this story in a moment.