On July 1, 2015, the UFC Anti-Doping Program was put into place, run by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) to protect the rights of all clean athletes in the UFC, as well as the integrity of the sport.
A detailed handbook is made available in PDF format, but it is woefully short on details about the appeals process.
Not all test failures are as unambiguous as injecting Test into your butt with a camera rolling and then posting it to your social network. For example, Li Jingliang, from Xinjiang, China, will face no sanction from either USADA or the Nevada State Athletic Commission after he tested positive for clenbuterol, as meat contamination is common in his home nation, and only trace elements were present. That determination was made by USADA, but sometimes fighters and USADA disagree, and when that happens, an appeals process is available.
Now Dave Meltzer for MMA Fighting reports that this week the UFC sent each fighter under contract a letter detailing the arbitration rules around disputes over USADA punishments.
Key Points:
•Requests for arbitration must be filed within ten calendar days of any notice.
•Fee for arbitration will be $2,700; a fighter does have the right to request a waiver or a reduction of the filing fee based on financial hardship.
•McLaren Global Sports Solutions, Inc., of Toronto, and Chief Arbitrator Richard McLaren, will establish a list of arbitrators to choose from in creating an arbitration panel, that will consist of either one, or if either the fighter or USADA request it, three arbitrators. In the case of three arbitrators, majority rules.
•Hearings will take place within 90 days of the appointment of the arbitrator, and will either take place in person in Denver, Colorado, or by telephone or video conference. The 90 period can be extended by agreement.
•A mediation conference giving the parties an initial assessment can be requested by either party.
•Arbitration is in English. Fighters are responsible for costs of an interpreter or attorney.
•Arbitrator has the right to rule on the admissibility of evidence. Adherence to formal rules of evidence is not necessary. Witnesses can provide testimony under oath.
•A confidential decision with accompanying explanation will be made within 30 days of the hearing. Confidentiality can be waived by agreement of both parties.
