Nick Diaz Wins Cannabis Case; Eligible to Fight this August
It was a sound victory for the cannabis movement. After mounting support from a growing number of MMA athletes, the Nevada Athletic Commission drastically reduced UFC fighter Nick Diaz’s punishment for testing positive for cannabis.
Nick was represented by Campbell & Williams. Hunter Campbell, a spokesman for the firm, wrote “With respect that Nick will be able to fight again beginning August 1, I’m pleased with the outcome of the settlement.” Nick Diaz was not present during the hearing.
When Diaz tested positive for cannabis, the NAC originally went after a lifetime ban. However, there were inconsistencies. Diaz was given three drug screens, two of which he passed. If anything, Diaz’s test results were inconclusive.
Diaz tested positive for cannabis after a January 31, 2015 fight with Anderson Silva at UFC 183. Diaz was given a mind-boggling five-year sentence, while those who test positive for steroids get considerably lower sentences. Fighters Ronda Rousey, Michael Chiesa and Rose Namajunas spoke out against this hypocrisy in the UFC. The issue attracted the likes of Cher, who tweeted “Lift the NSAC ban from MMA fighter Nick Diaz” last fall.
The Nevada Athletic Commission quickly, unanimously approved a drastic reduction for the punishment. Diaz’s five-year suspension was reduced to 18 months—half of which has already been served. Diaz’s original fine of $165,000 was also reduced to $100,000. Diaz’s manager Lloyd Pierson said, “It’s been an ongoing process, since almost immediately following the original hearing. This is a compromise that we’ve been working on. Campbell and Williams did a great job in getting Nick back to fighting.”
Diaz’s suspension ends July 31, 2016. He must now provide urine samples 30, 15 and three days before his next fight. Check out the video of the settlement agreement below:
