UFC announces pre-contract screening policy for PEDs

Fresh off former Strikeforce light-heavyweight champion Muhammed "King Mo" Lawal positive test for the anabolic steroid Drostanolone at the Jan. 7 "Strikeforce: Rockhold vs. Jardine" event, UFC has announced that  that all potential UFC and STRIKEFORCE signees will be subject to a mandatory pre-contract screening for performance-enhancing drugs.

The company cirtes a "continuing a commitment to the health and safety of its athletes" as the reason.


Beginning on Jan. 1, 2012, all incoming athletes will be tested prior to finalizing a contract with the world’s largest mixed martial arts organization.

UFC and STRIKEFORCE already work closely with the most prestigious regulators and athletic commissions to ensure the healthy and safety of athletes prior to competition. This includes contestants on The Ultimate Fighter, all of whom are pre-screened for performance-enhancing drugs prior to participating on the longest-running sports reality show on television.

All current UFC and STRIKEFORCE athletes will continue to be screened for performance-enhancing drugs, both prior to competition and at random, in accordance with athletic commission rules and regulations.

“We’re committed to the health and safety of our athletes and we take it very seriously,” UFC Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta said. “We already work closely with athletic commissions to protect our athletes and now we’re taking it one step further. We’re going to test any potential UFC or STRIKEFORCE fighter before finalizing their contract. This shows that we don’t want performance-enhancing drugs in our sport.”

This pre-contract screening policy further cements the organization’s dedication to the well-being of its athletes. In May, the organization announced that nearly 350 UFC and STRIKEFORCE independent contractor athletes would be eligible for customized accident insurance coverage, an unprecedented policy that covers accidental injuries suffered by athletes while training, as well as non-training incidents such as automobile accidents.