For the first time, fighters competing on Cage Rage cards could face drug tests, ProElite, which recently purchased the UK mixed martial arts promotion, announced Wednesday.

"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," Gary Shaw, president of ProElite's Live Events Division, said in a prepared statement.

Wednesday's news marks a shift for Shaw, who has previously expressed a disinterest in testing fighters under his umbrella for banned substances.

Cage Rage's next event, scheduled for Dec. 1 in London, will be the promotion's first to have fighters randomly tested for anabolic steroids, stimulants, cocaine and marijuana. Information regarding the administration of tests were not released. Additionally, fighters competing in Cage Rage "world title" fights will subject to tests.