UFC Completely Revamps Drug Testing; Year-Round Tests, Major Suspension For Violations

The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced earlier this year plans to overhaul their drug testing system. Previously regulatory commissions would handle testing in regulated areas, while UFC would do the honors in unregulated territories. At a press conference today, the company unveiled major changes to the program.

The UFC's roster will be subjected to year-round drug testing, both in and out of competition. The tests will be based on blood and urine, and can be conducted at any time without notice.

The company also unveiled disciplinary policies for the subsequent violations:

Non-specified substances
As defined by WADA: Growth hormones, aabolic steroids, peptides, blood doping drugs and methods (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: marijuana, cocaine, other stimulants and glucocorticosteroids (in-competition testing 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

It's worth noting that the "in-competition" begins six hours prior to weigh-ins, and ends six hours after the fight. The specified substances are lesser in severity, and aren't tested for during the camp.

These changes come off of the heels of several drug test failures from major stars in 2015 including Jon Jones, Anderson Silva and Nick Diaz. The company has enlisted the help of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency to conduct the tests, and will likely begin on July 1.