UFC calls for policy on drug testing

The UFC announced a “Call to Action” on Wednesday which it hopes will address the issue of the usage of illicit drugs in the sport.  The organization earmarked July 1, 2015 as the date for the new policy to take effect.

Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC COO Lawrence Epstein announced the new policy at a news conference on Wednesday.  On July 1 of this year, all fighters will be subject to random performance-enhancing drug testing. It intends to partner with a third-party to administrator overseeing its vision for drug testing its fighters.

There are obvious issues that must be hammered out here.  MMA Junkie points out four big questions.

The UFC is also in favor of longer suspensions and harsher penalties doled out by state athletic commissions.  The UFC is in favor of a two or four year suspension.  Having commissions comply with a new UFC drug policy seems like an easy fix but it’s clear that the impact may reach farther than the UFC.

If NSAC goes along with 2/4 year suspension per @UFC, will that also become suspension for boxers?

— Vada-Testing.org (@Vada_Testing) February 19, 2015

Payout Perspective:

It will be interesting to see how the drug testing policy plays out.  In August, ironically the same month that the Cung Le debacle occurred, it was reported that the UFC was looking into a drug testing protocol with third-party organizations. Now, it seems Zuffa will have to pick up where it had previously left off with seeking out an organization that will oversee its drug testing.

The UFC will take a hit here with how much it will need to spend in drug testing but for the integrity of the sport and from a public relations standpoint, it will need to spend whatever is needed to ensure that more fighters are not caught taking PEDs.  

Based on Wednesday’s news conference, the UFC’s use of a third party regulatory body to administer drug testing should solve the issue of what happens (like in Macau) where there is not a regulatory authority to oversee drug testing.  

 

While the announcement on Wednesday appears to be a move in the right direction.  There are a lot of things the company needs to do to hammer out a policy and its clear that it has to figure out whether state, provincial and international regulatory authorities will comply with the UFC.  Hence, the legal implications are far greater than one might think and the company will need to rely on the department that Dana White said “screwed up” the Cung Le issue. It was alluded to that contracts will need to be reworked so that the new policy would be a part of each fighters’ deal. Obviously, submitting to a third party (assuming that is the way the UFC goes) drug testing facility could create issues including liability.

Although just a thought, the new drug policy may be worked into the standard UFC Code of Conduct Policy as well.

As for independent agencies, at least one applauded the announcement Wednesday. 

USADA CEO Travis Tygart: “We are thrilled that the @ufc put a stake in the ground for clean athletes and the integrity of sport… (1/2)

— USADA (@usantidoping) February 18, 2015

(2/2) …and we look forward to continuing to assist @ufc as they work to fulfill the promises announced today.” -USADA CEO Travis Tygart

— USADA (@usantidoping) February 18, 2015

Tygart has been an advocate of blood and urine testing in the UFC for a while.

We will see where this goes.  MMA Payout will keep you posted.