UFC announces new anti-doping policy to be monitored by USADA

The UFC announced a new drug testing policy to be managed by the United States Anti-doping Administration at a press conference at the Red Rock Casino & Resort in Las Vegas on Wednesday.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, president Dana White, COO Lawrence Epstein, and Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky were present for the announcement.

The USADA also oversees the U.S Olympic Team drug testing.

“Our goal is to have the best anti-doping program in all of professional sport,” Novitzky said.

The policy involves year-round unannounced testing for all UFC fighters whether they're in competition or not. Fighters will undergo blood and urine testing, and will be subject to serious sanctions if they fail.

For non-specified substances like steroids, HGH, and blood doping, first offenders will face a two-year ban with a potential increase to four years under "aggravating circumstances." The second offense is double the first sanction, and the third offense is double the second.

For specified substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and other stimulants, first offenders will be banned for one year with a potential increase to two in "aggravating circumstances." Second and third offences double on the previous sanction like with non-specified substances, but fighters will only be tested for these when in competition.

The USADA released a statement regarding the new anti-doping program.

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.

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.