UFC lightweight Dustin Poirier latest fighter randomly drug tested by USADA

The UFC's new anti-drug testing program with the United States Anti Doping Agency (USADA) officially launched on July 1st which will randomly test all fighters on the UFC roster multiple times a year. The new protocol will enforce at least 2,750 tests per year for all 600 fighters and serve harsher punishments for those caught using performance-enhancing drugs.

Chris Weidman has remained sceptical over the new policy, as the middleweight champion complained that he's not yet been randomly tested or heard about other fighters being examined. Yesterday, however, reinvigorated lightweight contender Dustin Poirier revealed that the USADA requested a random blood and urine sample after his morning training session.

Just got out of the cage after my morning training and guess who is waiting on me? USADA giving blood and urine sample now!

— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) August 20, 2015

Yesterday, UFC's VP of Athlete Health and Performance Jeff Novitzky detailed the drug testing strategy on Joe Rogan's latest podcast. According to Novitzky, the new program will use "intelligent testing", where they will specifically target fighters flagging up suspiciously, based on tips they may get or a fighter's physical appearance.

Gilbert Melendez is the latest high-profile UFC fighter to test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, the 33-year-old was suspended for one year after a drug test revealed an exogenous origin of testosterone metabolites after losing to Eddie Alvarez at UFC 188.