LOS ANGELES (Oct. 17, 2007) – All fighters competing on upcoming Cage Rage fight cards will be subject to random drug testing, it was announced Wednesday. Gary Shaw, President of ProElite’s Live Events Division, EliteXC, initiated the idea to test the fighters. “Anybody that knows me knows that my No. 1 priority is the health and safety of the athletes,’’ Shaw said. “I wholeheartedly agree and support Cage Rage’s decision. This ensures that the highest safety standards will be in place each and every time a fighter competes in an EliteXC/Cage Rage fight card in Britain.’’ The process will begin before the “EliteXC Presents Cage Rage 24” Dec. 1 event that will be aired on pay-per-view live at ProElite.com.
“This shows that Gary Shaw and EliteXC truly have the fighters’ best interests at heart and are serious about promoting this great sport to the uppermost standard,’’ Cage Rage co-founder and promoter Dave O’Donnell said. “Drug taking will not be tolerated on a Cage Rage promotion.’’
Any fighter who appears on a Cage Rage show will be subject to random drug testing, which includes checking for anabolic steroids, stimulants, marijuana and cocaine. All fighters in world title fights will be tested. MRI scan and ophthalmologic inspections will be introduced in early 2008, announced Shaw.
