In light of Nick Diaz’ five-year suspension by the Nevada Athletic Commission for testing positive for marijuana metabolites at UFC 183, the MMA world unified in support of the Stockton fighter.
Diaz, who passed two out of three drug tests on the night of his middleweight clash with Anderson Silva, was almost subject to a lifetime ban, but the NAC eventually decided to reduce the sentence to five years.
UFC commentator and host Joe Rogan called the ruling “an irresponsible abuse of power”, and former training partner Ronda Rousey unloaded on the NAC. “It’s so not right for (Diaz) to be suspended five years for marijuana. I’m against them testing for any weed at all,” she said.
A White House petition has even been filed in support of the MMA veteran, but Demetrious Johnson won’t be signing it. On Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said it was Diaz’ own fault he got suspended and vowed to continue fighting in Las Vegas.
“I think it’s foolish for fighters not to fight in Vegas because of someone else’s fault,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who is now ranked as the #2 pound-for-pound fighter in the world, earned his 7th title defense when he defeated John Dodson at UFC 191 in Nevada. DJ is tied with Jose Aldo for the 4th most title defenses in UFC history.
Given the overwhelming support for Diaz, including the backing of a US State Senator, it’s expected that the former Strikeforce welterweight champion will appeal the NAC ruling in a court of law.
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