The Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC has announced a new policy that requires pre-contract drug testing for all newcomers to Zuffa promotions. The policy is effective as of January 1.
The press release states: “Continuing a commitment to the health and safety of its athletes, the Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today that all potential UFC® and STRIKEFORCE® signees will be subject to a mandatory pre-contract screening for performance-enhancing drugs. Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all incoming athletes will be tested prior to finalizing a contract with the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.”
This is in addition to regular testing done by the state athletic commissions. The release states further: “All current UFC and STRIKEFORCE athletes will continue to be screened for performance-enhancing drugs, both prior to competition and at random, in accordance with athletic commission rules and regulations.”
UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said: “We’re committed to the health and safety of our athletes and we take it very seriously.” UFC President Dana White also said: ““The health and safety of our athletes is our top priority.”
Although this is clearly a positive step, testing on a scheduled date would not be as effective as random drug testing. It is easy to pass a test when you know when it will be done.
This announcement on pre-contract drug screening from UFC came hours after the Nevada commission revealed that former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal tested positive for anabolic steroid Drostanolone following his January 7 win over Lorenz Larkin.
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