Diaz (left) and Ronda (right) live in California and are great friends. Photo: Disclosure
As soon as the five-year suspension was announced for Nick Diaz, entitled to a fine of almost R$600, for having tested positive for marijuana in the fight against Anderson Silva in January, several MMA stars publicly spoke out in support of the North American. Now, it was the champion's turn Ronda Rousey, the biggest star in the sport today, came out in defense of Diaz, and classified the position of the Nevada Athletic Commission as unfair.
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“Nick is a close friend, so of course I will defend him, but it is very unfair for one person to be tested for steroids that could hurt someone else while someone who smokes a plant that makes them happy is suspended for five years,” said Ronda, during a press conference in Australia, in an obvious reference to the case of Anderson Silva, Diaz's opponent at UFC 183.
Additionally, Ronda said he does not agree that marijuana is among the list of substances tested. “It is not right for him to be suspended for five years for marijuana. I am against testing marijuana in any form. It is not a performance enhancing drug. It has nothing to do with athletic competition, it is only tested for political reasons. They say, 'Oh, it's just to keep you safe, to keep you from getting hurt.' So why don't they test for all the things that could possibly hurt us?”, she questioned.
Ronda Rousey returns to the Octagon on November 14th, in Melbourne (Australia), when he will be challenging for the undefeated Holly holm in the bantamweight title fight. The duel will be the main fight of UFC 193. Meanwhile, friend Nick Diaz and his lawyers promise to appeal the Athletic Commission's decision.
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