The Ontario Athletics Commission (OAC) has announced that random anti-doping testing will begin for professional combative sport contestants in Ontario starting January 1, 2026, according to a memorandum issued on December 22, 2025 that MM-EH was able to obtain.
The communication, addressed to professional combative sport stakeholders, outlines the implementation of testing as part of the OAC’s commitment to athlete safety and the integrity of sport. The program will operate under the Sport Anti-Doping Policy adopted by the Commissioner pursuant to the Combative Sports Act, 2019. Compliance with the policy is a mandatory condition of licensing for all professional contestants.
Under the new initiative, in-competition anti-doping testing will be conducted at random professional combative sport events across Ontario. Contestants may be selected for testing without prior notice. The testing process will be carried out by Sport Integrity Canada, formerly known as the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES), and will follow international standards established by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
The OAC advises contestants to review the WADA Prohibited List and verify medications through Global DRO to ensure that no prohibited substances enter their bodies. The memorandum specifically notes that cannabis, anabolic steroids, and many supplements are included on the WADA Prohibited List. Additional educational resources are provided through the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
The policy also includes provisions for medical exemptions. Contestants who require a prohibited substance for medical reasons must submit a Medical Exemption Form, along with full supporting medical documentation signed by a physician, at least 30 days prior to a scheduled bout. Medical Exemption submissions are reviewed by a Medical Exemption Panel, which provides recommendations to the Commissioner. The Commissioner’s decision is final, and approved exemptions may be withdrawn if conditions are not met
The memorandum outlines several actions that constitute anti-doping violations, including the presence of a prohibited substance or its metabolites in a sample, refusal or failure to provide a sample after notification, and interference with the doping control process. Potential consequences for violations include licence suspension or cancellation, periods of competition ineligibility, monetary penalties, and changes to contest results, which may be ruled “No Contest.” Details of violations and sanctions will be published on the contestant’s official record as required by policy
The OAC encourages all stakeholders to review the full Anti-Doping Policy and related resources and has provided contact information for further questions or assistance. The Commission states that the initiative is intended to support a fair and safe competitive environment within professional combative sports in Ontario.
The first event in Ontario scheduled to hold professional bouts will be Unified MMA 66 on February 20th in Toronto.