On Wednesday, February 18th, the UFC announced a brand new drug testing policy, to take effect July 1st of 2015. The policy would put more money behind out of competition testing, especially in markets without their own commission oversight, as well as pushing commissions for harsher penalties (as much as 4 years for a first offense) against caught PED users. A major step of that plan would be the use of a 3rd party oversight agency, which would potentially also handle year round random tests of the entire UFC roster. It was a pretty huge deal if you’re in favor of the UFC cracking down on performance enhancing drugs and at least one public proponent of harsher testing took notice.
Former UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre took to Twitter to show his interest in and support of the UFC’s actions:
Very happy to learn about the UFC announcing a new comprehensive random PED testing.
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) February 18, 2015
Clearly a big step in the right direction for our sport.
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) February 18, 2015
Can’t wait to get more details about the actual protocol, 3rd party testing agency and new sanctions.
— Georges St-Pierre (@GeorgesStPierre) February 18, 2015
GSP is already on the record, saying that he would not return to MMA without some former of increased drug testing and penalties in place. And while general reports from the fighter and his camp suggest that his retirement may indeed be a permanent one, who knows? Perhaps the UFC’s move toward increased testing could push him toward an eventual return to the Octagon.
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