Barnett

By FCF Staff

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has reportedly ordered heavyweight Josh Barnett to undergo random drug testing, with World Anti-Doping Agency standards , heading into his December 28th fight with Travis Browne. The order is tied to the NSAC’s decision to grant Barnett a license in the state.

According to multiple reports, the decision was made Thursday morning at a NSCA meeting. UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner relayed at the hearing that the promotion will pay for the additional testing, which will continue on into 2014.

The 35 year-old Barnett, who has failed three drug tests during his career, posted via Twitter:

Thank you to the NSAC for granting my license & allowing me to make history by being the 1st MMA athlete to do random, year round testing.

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) October 31, 2013

I can imagine that today may set the precedent from here on and random testing may become the standard for the sport of MMA

— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) October 31, 2013

Barnett is coming off a quick, stoppage win over Frank Mir at UFC 164, which marked the first time he’s fought in the Octagon since 2002. The PRIDE and Strikeforce veteran is 9-1 in his last ten fights.

UFC 168 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.