UFC partners with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency on strict drug-testing program

The UFC and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) have partnered to implement a stringent drug-testing program.

As of July 1, the USADA will enact year-round, unannounced testing in the UFC. If fighters fail a test, they could be subject to a year-long suspension upon their first offense.

"The UFC ... has taken the brave and important step to externalize their anti-doping programs to USADA," said Edwin Moses, chairman of USADA's board of directors, to The Associated Press. "And because of the leadership shown by the UFC, these athletes will now have the anti-doping program they deserve."

The new policy will also target steroid use, with a first offense carrying a ban of one to four years, with a proposed eight-year ban for a second offense, and a lifetime ban after a third violation.

"Any fighter on our roster now has the potential that they could be caught," UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said. "There could be major fights that fall out, and we're prepared to deal with that. That's just a consequence. Hopefully it won't happen, but if it does, we understand that."

There will be at least 2,750 tests orchestrated per year, according to The Associated Press. Under the proposed agreement, fighters would be mandated to tell the USADA of their location at all times, so they can be subject to testing.

"We love this sport," UFC president Dana White said. "We love the athletes, and we're trying to do what we can to fix things that seem like they can't be fixed. So we'll see how this plays out with both, with trying to prevent injuries and trying to prevent people from using performance-enhancing drugs."