UFC fighters competing in Mexico City were warned about drug testing protocols under Mexico’s Federación de Artes Marciales Mixtas, which include a zero-tolerance policy on some substances, and were provided with suggested cutoff dates for discontinuing use of specific substances.
Saturday’s UFC Mexico City fighters got a heads up. The warning came from the promotion about drug testing protocols. It’s under Mexico’s Federación de Artes Marciales Mixtas, the MMA overseer in the country.
But wait, there’s more. The UFC’s own anti-doping policy is still in play. Yet, fighters will face another set of rules from the Mexican MMA commission. Under these rules, there’s a zero-tolerance policy on some substances. So, any trace of the drugs would be considered a failure.
The reminder wasn’t just about banned in-competition drugs. It’s not just about weigh-in day and fight day. Athletes can’t just stop using on those two days. The UFC warned fighters about having “zero presence of these medications in your system on weigh-in day and fight day.”
The UFC didn’t stop there. They also provided suggested cutoff dates for fighters to stop using these substances.
Stimulants, for example. Ritalin, Adderall, Solriamfetol, Modafinil, Pseudoephedrine, Concerta. All these should be discontinued 7 days before weigh-ins. Vyvanse, however, needs a 12-day break before weigh-ins.
Then there are narcotics. Morphine, Oxycontin, Fentanyl, Methadone/Suboxone, Buprenorphine, Tramadol. These should be discontinued 7 days before weigh-ins.
And let’s not forget about Glucocorticoids. Hydrocortisone should be discontinued 3 days before weigh-ins. Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, Methylprednisolone? 5 days before weigh-ins. Prednisone, Prednisolone? 10 days before weigh-ins. Triamcinolone Acetonide? That’s a whopping 60 days before weigh-ins.
The UFC also reminded fighters about something else. The promotion doesn’t advocate the use of any illegal recreational drugs. But some of those drugs are also under a zero tolerance policy. They’re prohibited at any level on weigh-in day or fight day.
The promotion has warned its athletes before. They’ve been advised about commission protocols before traveling. Most recently, it was about the California State Athletic Commission’s protocols on marijuana testing and weight-cutting prior to UFC 298. But this reminder is a first. It’s the first time specific substances and clearing times have been provided to fighters.
The UFC implemented its own drug policy earlier this year. It was after a contentious breakup with U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. The agency managed its drug testing program from 2015-2023.
UFC Mexico City is happening Saturday night. It’s at Arena CDMX with the card airing live in the United States via ESPN. The five-round main event? Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval. The co-main event? Yair Rodriguez vs. Brian Ortega 2.