On October 1st, UFC fighters will no longer have the luxury of rehydrating intravenously after a weigh-in, thanks to the UFC's partnership with USADA to facilitate their new anti-doping program. Anyone caught using IVs could face a suspension of up to two years for a first time violation. With the sheer volume of fighters that cut vast amounts of weight to maintain a size advantage, the sport will likely see some big changes in the divisions.
"It is something that [fighters] are going to have to deal with. Whether it means walking around when fights aren't scheduled a little closer to that fight weight, whether it means, which hopefully it does, being educated through us and through others on how to properly orally rehydrate. The studies and science show that as long as the dehydration isn't too severe oral rehydration is actually better for you. It's safer for you. Studies show that you'll feel like exercise is a little bit easier and you're exerting less if you orally hydrate."
One of the most interesting things he talked about was the fact that they are saving fighter samples and will keep them stored long term with the possibility of retroactive testing as technology becomes more advanced.
"Even if there wasn't a definitive test now, there could be two or three years from now."
http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/8/2...ghters-can-be-suspended-for-2-years-if-caught
