Reported back in February, Nick Diaz had tested positive for Marijuana use following his fight with Carlos Condit at UFC 143. The hearing determining his suspension and fine was held on Monday and resulted in the fighter receiving a one-year suspension starting Feb. 4, 2012 and being fined 30% of his purse, which amounted to $60,000.
There’s been quite a bit of drama and posturing leading up to this hearing as Diaz and his lawyers sued the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for their temporary suspension for the infraction. We’ll have to wait and see what comes out of the Diaz camp following this ruling.
As for the hearing itself, Diaz did admit to using Marijuana to help him perform better during his training. He contested that he had been prescribed a medical marijuana card to help with his Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The commission pointed out though that they approached Diaz several times for his pre-fight medical questionnaire in which he answered “no” when questioned about being treated for any “serious medical conditions”. He also failed to disclose his marijuana usage in the sections marked for prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
In the end, the commission thought were too many discrepancies to resolve between Diaz’s testimony and the evidence before the commission and delivered the suspension and fine. Both of which were consistent with rulings made in the past against fighters who not only tested similarly but who had previous infractions. In Diaz’s case, he had tested positive following a win over Takanori Gomi at 2007′s PRIDE 33 event.
As for the result of the Diaz vs Condit fight, the commission did not reverse the decision because Diaz lost.
Following that loss, Diaz stated he was retiring from active competition. Hopefully he won’t stick with that decision as Diaz is one of the most exciting fighters in the business. Both of the Diaz brothers have such a unique style and always go in there and brawl. Given Nick Diaz’s history though I suspect we haven’t seen the last of him.