CSAC decides to test all 22 fighters at UFC 184 for PEDs using blood, urine

LOS ANGELES -- The fight against doping in mixed martial arts took a big step forward on Saturday when Andy Foster, the executive officer of the California State Athletic Commission, told Yahoo Sports he was testing all 22 fighters who took part in UFC 184 at Staples Center for performance enhancing drugs.

The tests, which Foster said will "come at a significant financial cost to this commission," significantly will include both blood and urine tests of all fighters. In the event of a positive result, Foster said he would have a Carbon Isotope Ratio (CIR) test done on the sample.

"We want to create an environment of deterrence," said Foster, who conducted out-of-competition testing of main eventers Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano. "We're not trying to suspend people or take their money, but the athletes need to know that when they come to California, we have the resources, the means and the will to do this."

There has been a recent spate of positive tests among UFC athletes, none bigger than former middleweight champion Anderson Silva, who tested positive both before and after his fight with Nick Diaz last month in Las Vegas. Because the results of the out-of-competition test that the Nevada Athletic Commission did on Silva were not expedited, the results did not come in until Feb. 3, until after the fight had been over.

Silva then failed his post-fight test, as well. He was temporarily suspended by Nevada and faces an upcoming disciplinary hearing.

Foster, a former fighter himself, said it was disappointing to see all the positive tests, but said he doesn't believe doping is as rampant as many.

"We've had some adverse results and there's been a number of them recently, so as I said, we want to create an environment of deterrence," Foster said. "I still think the majority of the people out there fighting are clean. They're martial artists. Most of them are honorable people. There is a problem out there and what we want to do is to make those who are looking to get an advantage to think twice if they're going to come to fight in California."

Foster declined to say how much testing all 22 fighters on the card cost his commission, though he said it was significant. The UFC has offered to help financially and has done so on several occasions, but did not do so on Saturday.

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta recently announced a new series of drug testing procedures that will cost the company in excess of $5 million annually. But he has supported anti-doping measures and applauded Foster's decision.

"We're very, very happy to hear this and it's exactly what we were talking about a couple of weeks ago," Fertitta said. "We have been hoping the commisisons would test 100 percent of the fighters [using] both blood and urine and give California credit. They're stepping up to the plate. They're showing leadership and are doing exactly what we think needs to be done."

from Yahoo Sports http://ift.tt/1vM6IN0