UFC 168's Josh Barnett to undergo random WADA drug testing ahead of Travis Browne fight in Las Vegas

Earlier today (Oct. 31, 2013), Josh Barnett was granted his license to fight Travis Browne at UFC 168 on Dec. 28, 2013 by Nevada State Athletic State commission (NSAC), but it didn't come stipulation free.

"War Master" will have to undergo random World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) drug testing -- the first mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to do so -- effective immediately all the way up until his Heavyweight fight against "Hapa."

And by random it means every week at any given moment.

The ruling comes down thanks in large part to Barnett's past transgressions in which he tested positive for banned substances on three separate occasions; twice in Las Vegas in 2001 and 2002 with his third strike coming in 2009 prior to his scheduled fight against Fedor Emelianenko under the Affliction banner.

Upon hearing the guidelines, Barnett had this to say:

"I understand the prohibited list, and that's what's necessary. I have to put it in my mouth, in my body. ... No one's giving me anything under the table and putting things in my system. This is my responsibility."

The good news for Barnett is that Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) executive Marc Ratner -- who was present at the hearing -- revealed that the Zuffa-owned mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion would foot the bill for any and all testing that could add up close to $20,000, according to MMA Fighting.

According to the report, Barnett was already tested back on Oct. 15, 2013 and passed the test with flying colors.

His fight against Browne will be Barnett's second in "Sin City" since he was stripped of the UFC 265-pound title for testing positive for a banned substance shortly after defeating Randy Couture at UFC 36 back in 2002.

"War Master" made his successful return to the Octagon after an 11-year absence this past August at UFC 164 by defeating Frank Mir in the very first round via technical knockout (TKO).

Keep it tuned to MMAmania.com as we will make sure to pass along any results as soon as they're made available.