BJ Penn is taking one of the first steps in trying to break into a new frontier of drug testing in the UFC. While the promotion was ahead of the curve in some respects by holding their own drug testing in countries and states without a solid testing policy, recent months have seen VADA take hold in major boxing matches.
This deeper level of testing throuh VADA has actually caught fighters with illegal substances in their systems, catching both Andre Berto ahead of his rematch with Victor Ortiz and Lamont Peterson before his rematch with Amir Khan.
Today Penn tweeted UFC boss Dana White and his UFC 152 opponent Rory MacDonald:
Here's B.J.'s first tweet:
Quote:
@rory_macdonald VADA anti-doping has offered to sponsor our upcoming fight.I've accepted and invite you to help me clean up the sport
Here's his second:
Quote:
@rory_macdonald VADA results will be released after the fight to ensure that the fight happens. Lets get started asap!!
I wonder if the UFC will have anything to say about this as it could increase pressure to step up testing to the VADA level for all fights (or at least major fights) going forward.
Here is MacDonald's reply:
Quote:
@bjpenndotcom already worried BJ? honestly i think its a great idea 2, and im ready to do the testing for our fight aswell @danawhite
UFC 152 will take place on September 22 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Source: UFC 152: B.J. Penn Wants VADA Testing, Rory MacDonald Accepts
