Barnett, Browne tested a dozen times prior to UFC 168
Prior to their UFC 168, both Travis Browne and Josh Barnett submitted to a strict drug testing program by WADA…
Prior to their UFC 168, both Travis Browne and Josh Barnett submitted to a strict drug testing program by WADA to ensure neither was utilizing performancing enhancing drugs to prepare for the bout. Both spoke to MMAJunkie about the process and how it was necessary to help the sport move forward:
Between them, UFC heavyweights Travis Browne and Josh Barnett have been drug-tested at least a dozen times prior to their UFC 168 fight.
It was great, Browne (15-1-1 MMA, 6-1-1 UFC) told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie. Nothing like waking up to a man sitting on your porch at 7 o’clock in the morning, ready to watch you pee and take blood.
While the fighters agreed the testing wasn’t always convenient, it was a done for a good cause: to keep the fight clean. It can be trying in terms of scheduling, but otherwise, it’s not a big deal, Barnett (33-6 MMA, 5-1 UFC) said.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) required the fighters to undergo enhanced, out-of-competition testing in advance of Saturday’s pay-per-view event (10 p.m. ET) at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. UFC 168 represents the first time the commission has sanctioned such stringent testing in MMA.
