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There’s one obstacle left before Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz can step in the cage against one another for a third time.
They’ll have to pass drug tests.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will implement an out-of-competition drug-testing program ahead of the scheduled Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 bout Nov. 24 in Inglewood, Calif., CSAC executive officer Andy Foster told MMA Fighting on Tuesday. The fight between the two UFC Fall of Famers will take place under the Golden Boy Promotions banner at The Forum.
Foster said samples have already been collected from Liddell and Ortiz and more will be requested before the bout. The samples will be tested against a full World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) menu, he said.
“Just like there should be drug testing for any high-profile fight, there will be for this one,” Foster said. “Chuck Liddell hasn’t fought in some time and hasn’t been part of any drug-testing program recently, as far as I know. We want to make sure the fans are getting a clean, fair contest.”
Foster added that both Liddell and Ortiz were administered concussion protocol baseline testing ahead of the bout.
Liddell, 48, has not fought since 2010 and lost via a form of knockout in his last three defeats. In his prime, “The Iceman” was the best light heavyweight fighter in the world and remains one of the most popular names in MMA history.
Ortiz, 43, fought most recently in January 2017, beating Chael Sonnen by first-round submission. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is also one of the most influential and well-known fighters in MMA history. He has also won three of his last four fights dating back to 2014.
Liddell and Ortiz have fought twice previously, with Liddell winning by stoppage in 2004 and 2006.
They’ll have to pass drug tests.
The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) will implement an out-of-competition drug-testing program ahead of the scheduled Liddell vs. Ortiz 3 bout Nov. 24 in Inglewood, Calif., CSAC executive officer Andy Foster told MMA Fighting on Tuesday. The fight between the two UFC Fall of Famers will take place under the Golden Boy Promotions banner at The Forum.
Foster said samples have already been collected from Liddell and Ortiz and more will be requested before the bout. The samples will be tested against a full World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) menu, he said.
“Just like there should be drug testing for any high-profile fight, there will be for this one,” Foster said. “Chuck Liddell hasn’t fought in some time and hasn’t been part of any drug-testing program recently, as far as I know. We want to make sure the fans are getting a clean, fair contest.”
Foster added that both Liddell and Ortiz were administered concussion protocol baseline testing ahead of the bout.
Liddell, 48, has not fought since 2010 and lost via a form of knockout in his last three defeats. In his prime, “The Iceman” was the best light heavyweight fighter in the world and remains one of the most popular names in MMA history.
Ortiz, 43, fought most recently in January 2017, beating Chael Sonnen by first-round submission. “The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is also one of the most influential and well-known fighters in MMA history. He has also won three of his last four fights dating back to 2014.
Liddell and Ortiz have fought twice previously, with Liddell winning by stoppage in 2004 and 2006.
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