The U.S Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) has made it their mission to make the UFC a clean organization.
In their mission to stop fighters from using performance-enhancing substances, USADA is now retesting old fighter samples to prove fighters never took a banned substance.
The reason for the retesting is because some fighters find ways to pass USADA’s test even though they are taking PEDs. Whenever USADA creates improved testing methods, they want to retest samples to prove fighters were always clean.
As of today, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Frank Mir and former title challenger Jessica Penne tested positive for banned substances after having their samples retested.
USADA Communications Manager Ryan Madden talked to BloodyElbow and shared some more information on USADA’s new retesting program.
In accordance with the policy (Section 6.5), samples may be stored and, at USADA’s discretion, may be subject to further analysis at any time for the obvious purpose of detecting prohibited substances or methods. It’s an important part of the program and plays a big role in deterring athletes from any potential use. It’s also worth remembering that there is a 10-year statute of limitations – after that we can no longer conduct any re-testing.
As already seen, one fairly common reason that we’ll go back and re-test a sample is when WADA-accredited laboratories implement new analyses or instrumentation that allows for longer detection windows or the detection of additional prohibited substances and/or their metabolites. We’ll also of course take into account any newly-acquired intelligence that leads us to believe re-testing is an appropriate course of action.
Based on biomarkers identified through Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) evaluation, USADA may also request that a sample be reanalyzed for additional substances, such as Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents (ESAs), IRMS, and Growth Hormone Releasing Factors that aren’t included in standard urine screens.
It’s worth noting that our science team thoroughly evaluates every Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF), the possible source of it and any prior samples to better determine the ingestion time-frame of the prohibited substance. This benefits the athlete and USADA as we seek to establish the source, degree of fault and the potential of a sanction.
