ONE OF AMERICA’S top anti-doping experts has joined the UFC to help clean up the sport.
Jeff Novitzky, best known for investigating the BALCO steroids scandal and leading the US government’s pursuit of Lance Armstrong, will be the UFC’s Vice President of Athlete Health and Performance.
His job will be to “spearhead the development of the organisation’s clean initiative education program designed to ensure that every athlete competes with natural ability on an even playing field,” the UFC said.
The world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion is ramping up anti-doping efforts after it emerged that two of its biggest stars, Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, had failed tests.
Novitzky’s first job will be to create and implement the expanded testing program, which is due to be unveiled in July.
“I am thrilled to be joining a world-class organization like UFC, that is committed to taking the necessary steps to ensure all of its athletes are competing in a clean sport,” the former US federal agent said.
“I am confident that UFC will be able to create a new gold standard testing program and implement it so a sustainable and level playing field is provided for all athletes.”
The UFC’s Lawrence Epstein said that “there is no bigger advocate of clean professional sports than Jeff Novitzky.”
When we announced our commitment for an enhanced drug testing program in February, we wanted to ensure that the best people would be helping move this program forward and Jeff will lead the UFC in developing the most comprehensive anti-doping policy in professional sports.
During his time with the Internal Revenue Service, Novitzky investigated the infamous BALCO company which was alleged to be supplying steroids to some of America’s top athletes including baseball home run king Barry Bonds and three-time Olympic gold medallist Marion Jones. Jones was later stripped of her Olympic titles following the investigation.
Novitzky most recently worked for the United States Food and Drug Administration where he helped to build the case against disgraced former Tour de France champ Armstrong.
