There are changes coming to the USADA ADP (Anti-Doping Policy) which will be effective as of April 1. 

Rather than wade through the +5,000-word official document, here's a rundown of the notable changes that are being made. If you are keen to read the new policy in full you can find it here - HERE

Hat tip to @DimSpace for helping us break it all down. Here is his more in-depth look at the rule changes -- HERE.

#1 -- Violations under other ADPs (i.e. not USADA) will now be taken into consideration in the instance of a USADA ADP violation i.e. the fighter could be considered for a multiple violation punishment 

Previously the USADA program only took into consideration violations made under the current USADA ADP, but that's all about to change. A fighter who is found to have violated the current program will also have any prior violations under any other ADP taken into consideration--this could mean fighters are handed multiple violation punishment rather than single violation punishment. Essentially this means they could sit on the sidelines for a much longer period of time.

DimSpace highlights the case of Josh Barnett as an example where the new rule could come into play.

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#2 -- Fighters who admit using banned substances in the year prior to joining the UFC now have set procedures to follow before being allowed to fight

Fighters who admit use to banned substances in the year prior to joining the UFC (e.g. Emil Weber Meek) must do the following before being allowed to fight:

• ​Fighters must sit in the testing pool for a full six months prior to being able to compete
  
• Fighters must provide 2 clean samples during that time
  
• The admitted use is not considered a violation, BUT if they pop for that same substance while on the program they might be considered for a multiple violation punishment.

Also, fighters who admit usage of a substance prior to entering the UFC and then test positive for it will not have it considered a violation if it can be proven their usage of the substance was before they joined the UFC. Note, the fighter will be made to sit in the testing pool for 6 months and must then provide two clean samples prior to debut.

DimSpace highlights the cases of Emil Weber Meek and Adam Hunter. He also notes that these clauses only refer to substances classified as "prohibited at all times" i.e. not inclusive of stimulants, or diuretics.

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#3 -- Fighters can train with suspended persons, but not be coached, managed, cornered by them

What it says on the tin. Dimspace highlights the case of Valerie Letourneau who was not allowed to have ATT training partner Hector Lombard in her corner for her UFC strawweight title fight at UFC 193 in Melbourne, Australia. 

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#4 -- The terminology 'In-competition' now means 12:00pm the day prior to the fight until post-fight samples are collected or one after the post-fight medical assessment are completed (whichever happens first)

Remember the fuss caused by Nate Diaz vaping CBD after UFC 202? Well there wont be such a fuss next time if Nate can hold off until he's provided his post-fight sample or if it's one hour after his post-fight medical. Vape away all you want then Nate.

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#5 -- New rules for new and returning fighters, there are some waivers though...

• ​New fighters joining the UFC cannot fight until they have completed one month in the testing pool 
  
• A fighter who has previously been in the UFC but been released, contract not renewed etc cannot fight until spending one month in the testing pool
  
• A fighter who has previously been in the UFC but retired, chose not to renew contract, joined another organization etc must spend 6 months in the testing pool 
  

There are potential waivers though … 

• The one month rule may be waived where they are joining/returning to the UFC as a late notice replacement following injury, illness etc of the original participant.
  
• The six-month rule may be adjusted/waived where it is deemed unfair to the fighter or in exceptional circumstances.
  

DimSpace highlights that you should remember that any fighter who has popped previously regardless of the situation must sit in the testing pool for six months and must provide two cleans samples i.e. sorry Brock Lesnar, you ain't side stepping again buddy. 

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#6 -- Fighters who retire while under suspension either must sit in the testing pool for six months or serve out the remainder of their suspension if it was put on hold when they retired (whichever is lengthier)

DimSpace highlights the cases of Brock Lesnar and Mirko 'Cro Cop' Filipovic who should take note here. 'Cro Cops' suspension was put on hold the day he announced his retirement. If he did resign for the UFC, then he'd have to see out the remainder of the suspension in the testing pool i.e. he'd have to wait longer than six months to return.

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Hopefully this has cleared a lot of things up and broken this down so that it's understandable for the everyday fans. Essentially USADA have reacted to difficult circumstances that arose during the first 18-months of the ADP and made changes to the policy that they thought would be beneficial.