The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) today confirmed that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Forrest Griffin have passed initial screenings for drugs and illegal substances prior to their clash during the main event of UFC 86: "Griffin vs. Jackson" on Saturday, July 5.
Both fighters were tested several weeks out from the 205-pound bout to eliminate the possibilities of "cycling off" performance enhancers such as steroids. It's a proactive and unique measure that the NSAC has adopted to curtail and prevent the use of banned substances.
In fact, Jackson and Griffin join BJ Penn, Sean Sherk and Tito Ortiz on the short list of professionals who have been subject to the new "out of competition" testing policy. Expect that list to grow over time.
If a positive test is returned early, which would essentially devastate a major pay-per-view (PPV) event such as UFC 86, "the commissioners would decide" on a course of action based on the results, according to NSAC Executive Director, Keith Kizer.
Jackson and Griffin -- along with other random fighters on the card -- will likely be tested again right around fight night. It is merely an extra layer of protection to ensure a good clean fight when it comes time to bang at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on fourth of July weekend.
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