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.