UFC, USADA announce several changes to anti-doping policy

The UFC and USADA announced in conjunction Thursday numerous changes to their anti-doping policy that will be enforced as of April 1.

Previously, a retired fighter would need to provide the UFC with notice and undergo four months of drug testing before being permitted to fight for the promotion. Under the new revision, retired fighters must give the UFC notice and be screened for six months before being allowed to fight again.

However, a provision allowing the UFC to waive the six-month drug testing period is still included, under "exceptional circumstances."

"The policy updates announced today are a direct reflection of our experiences, and the feedback we’ve received – from both athletes and the UFC – all of which we believe will give further confidence to competitors that they can step into the Octagon, compete clean and win," USADA spokesperson Ryan Madden said via MMAJunkie.com's Steven Marrocco.

Fighters who are beginning their contracts with the UFC, along with fighters who were released but are now rejoining the promotion, are subject to one month of drug testing, as opposed to four months under the previous stipulations.

Another key provision in the updated policy pertaining to fighters who have previously tested for a banned substance. Any fighter who is fighting for the UFC for the first time, or returning to the promotion, who's been caught using or admitted to using a banned substance will be subject to at least six months of drug screening before squaring off.