The UFC has made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing the intricacies of its upcoming anti-doping program scheduled to kick off on December 31. This development comes as a strategic move following the conclusion of the partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that commenced in 2015, prompting the inception of a new UFC Anti-Doping Policy (UFC ADP).
In a statement released on Thursday, the UFC outlined key features of the program. Notably, sample collection will be orchestrated by Drug Free Sport International, while administration and sanctioning will be independently overseen by Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD), led by President George Piro.
Hunter Campbell, UFC's Chief Business Officer, emphasized the organization's commitment to establishing the most advanced and progressive anti-doping program in professional sports. Campbell stated, "UFC is proud of the advancements we have made with our anti-doping program over the past eight years, and we will continue to maintain an independently administered drug-testing program that ensures all UFC athletes are competing under fair and equal circumstances."
Jeff Novitzky, UFC Senior Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance, echoed this sentiment, noting that the new program is the result of years of collaborative efforts and adjustments based on input from the UFC, athletes, and third parties involved in its operation.
Novitzky emphasized, "The anti-doping policy is a living and breathing document that will continue to evolve and adapt when clear science supports changes that can further protect UFC athletes who compete in UFC."
As part of the implementation details, MMA Junkie obtained an email from Hunter Campbell to the UFC roster, outlining expectations for whereabouts filing and testing. For more insights, refer to the public statement released alongside the new UFC ADP.