CSAC To Drug Test Most UFC Fight Night 71 Fighters Out Of Competition
It appears the issue of performance enhancing drug (PED) use in mixed martial arts (MMA) is being tackled harder than ever.
Nearly all fighters on the UFC Fight Night 71 card will be drug tested by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). CSAC executive officer Andy Foster confirmed the news to MMAFighting.com. The exception was given to foreign fighters who live and train in their countries.
The reason why foreign fighters are being given a pass, at least for now, is due to the fact that the CSAC doesn’t have a contract to collect samples in foreign countries. That isn’t stopping the CSAC from trying to collect samples of the foreign fighters. Foster said the commission is considering collecting the samples as soon as the remaining competitors arrive in California.
Since the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced their drug-testing policy and program, the use of PEDs in MMA competition has had some stiff punishments. Penalties of two and three year suspensions have already been handed out. Just ask Mike Richman and Alexander Shlemenko.
UFC Fight Night 71 will take place from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California on July 15, 2015. Yes, folks that’s a Wednesday. The main event will see former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir (17-9) battle the man who is tied for the fastest knockout in UFC history at seven seconds, Todd Duffee (9-2).
The co-main event features Al Iaquinta (12-3-1) facing the man who replaced an injured Bobby Green, former Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez (22-5). Speaking of former Strikeforce champions, Josh Thompson (20-7, 1 NC) will look to rebound from his loss to Green last year when he meets The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 13 winner, Tony Ferguson (18-3).
There are plenty of other fighters on the card. These fighters include Holly Holm (8-0), Kevin Lee (10-1), Alan Jouban (11-3), and more.
For more UFC Fight Night 71 coverage, stick with LowKickMMA.com.
