Travis Tygart The UFC today announced details of its new out-of-competition testing program , set to take effect July 1, which include a minimum of 2,750 drug tests per year – or about 5 potential tests for each fighter – and substantial punishments for anti-doping violations. As MMAjunkie first reported , the industry-leader today made official a partnership with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which will oversee the program and conduct results management independent of the UFC. Although officials declined to put a price tag on the new venture, UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said its cost is in the “multiple millions of dollars.” The payoff, UFC and USADA officials expect, is an effective deterrent to performance-enhancing drug use, which has become a hot-button issue over the past year with several high-profile drug failures. “This is the most comprehensive, effective, best program in all of professional sport,” said Jeff Novitzy, the UFC’s vice president of athlete health and performance, during today’s press conference at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas.
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UFC confirms partnership with USADA, details of out-of-competition testing program – MMA Junkie