Following a successful run as the Strikeforce welterweight champion, Nick Diaz made his highly anticipated UFC debut in 2011 against the legendary BJ Penn. The Stockton native delivered an impressive performance, dominating Penn en route to a unanimous decision victory. It seemed like the beginning of a promising UFC career for Diaz.
However, things took a turn for the worse as Diaz’s career in the UFC was plagued by multiple suspensions, putting a halt to his momentum. The main reason behind these suspensions? His constant tussle with the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).
Diaz’s first suspension came after his fight against Carlos Condit in 2012. He tested positive for marijuana metabolites and was handed a one-year suspension. This was followed by another suspension in 2015, after testing positive for marijuana once again. This time, the suspension was for five years, effectively ending Diaz’s UFC career.
Fans and experts were left wondering why Diaz couldn’t seem to stay away from marijuana, knowing the repercussions it could have on his career. However, in a recent interview, Diaz’s younger brother and fellow UFC fighter, Nate Diaz, shed light on the situation and explained why he couldn’t save Nick from his five-year suspension.
Nate revealed that Nick has always been a “weed head” and it was something that they grew up with. He also explained that Nick’s use of marijuana is more than just recreational, it’s a way for him to cope with his anxiety and ADHD.
Nate further elaborated that the NSAC has a zero-tolerance policy towards marijuana, unlike other sports commissions. He believes that this is unfair and that marijuana shouldn’t be considered a performance-enhancing drug. However, the NSAC’s strict stance on the matter has caused a lot of trouble for the Diaz brothers.
Nate also pointed out that the UFC’s anti-doping partner, USADA, has more lenient rules when it comes to marijuana. He believes that the UFC should follow suit and not punish fighters for using marijuana outside of competition.
Despite his frustrations with the NSAC and UFC’s policies, Nate remains supportive of his brother and believes that Nick will bounce back stronger from this setback.
While Nick’s UFC career may be on hold for now, he has found success outside of the octagon. He has been competing in triathlons and even launched his own line of CBD products. Nate also mentioned that Nick has been offered several fights, but he is currently not interested in returning to the UFC.
In conclusion, Nick Diaz’s UFC career may have been derailed by his constant tussle with the NSAC, but he remains a highly respected figure in the MMA community. His brother Nate has shown unwavering support for him and believes that Nick will overcome this hurdle and come back stronger. As fans, we can only hope to see the return of the Stockton bad boy in the UFC someday. Until then, we can continue to admire his determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
