USADA updates UFC fighters on 2018 prohibited list

USADA wants fighters to have the most up-to-date information when it comes to what they can and can’t put in their bodes.

The UFC’s anti-doping partner today notified fighters of changes to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list, which serves as one of the foundations for anti-doping enforcement worldwide.

With the revised list published on Oct. 1, athletes have three months “to ensure that they are educated on and compliant” before the changes are official.

MMAjunkie obtained a copy of an email that details the changes to the 2018 list, including the removal of cannabidiol (CBD) as a prohibited substance and increase of volume of IV fluids allowed in an athlete’s system.

UFC veterans have found themselves in hot water as the result of the previous rules. Nate Diaz was issued a public warning for vaping CBD during a press conference following his rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 202. UFC Hall of Famer B.J. Penn was suspended six months for using an IV out-of-competition.

While eliminating CBD as a banned substance, WADA has slightly relaxed its requirements for IV usage. Previously, it maintained a 50 mL cutoff for IV use that didn’t involve a hospital procedure. Athletes who did not receive a therapeutic-use exemption were subject to a disciplinary complaint. Now, the cutoff for IV “and/or injections of any substance” is 100 mL over a 12-hour period. Anything over that is prohibited at all times.

Additionally, WADA clarified banned substances in certain categories and clarified its position on others, providing:

• A list of prohibited glucocorticoids, which help to relieve inflammation in the body.
• Revised limits on salbutamol, an asthma medication alleged to benefit endurance when used by athletes. Doses of salbutamol may not exceed 800 micrograms over any 12 hours with a 1,600 mcg limit of inhaled salbutamol over any 24-hour period.
• Alcohol removed from the list.
• Glycerol, formerly on the list as a S5 diuretic and masking agents, is now allowed.
• Eight new banned substances in various categories.
• Gene Doping clarification to include current and emerging gene manipulating technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 and Targeted Genome Editing, on the prohibited list.

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