UFC Nixes In-House Drug Testing Program, Will Rely On State Commissions

The UFC has “abandoned plans to implement its own year-round drug-testing program,” according to Adam Hill of the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL. The UFC in August announced that a test administered to fighter Cung Le “showed 18 times the allowable limit for human growth hormone." Le then "challenged the results based on what he called faulty testing procedures and raised questions about the lab.” But there was an “unclear appeals process.” UFC President Dana White said the incident was “a real eye-opener.” White: “Our legal team completely screwed that thing up. We have no business doing drug testing.” He added that instead of implementing its own program, the UFC "will provide more money to state athletic commissions” (LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, 1/6).