Diaz (photo) had his suspension reduced from 60 to 18 months. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
After a lot of pressure from fans and fighters, the Nevada Athletic Commission reversed itself and reduced the suspension applied to Nick Diaz. The North American, who was caught with marijuana residue in a test carried out before the fight against Anderson Silva, at UFC 183, January 2015, had been suspended for five years, but at the hearing held this afternoon (12) the suspension was reduced to 18 months.
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With the new feather, Nick Diaz he can fight again on August 1st. However, the fighter will have to pass three anti-doping tests before his next fight to obtain a license to perform.
In addition to the drastic reduction in the hook, the commission also reduced the fine imposed on the fighter. From US$ 165 thousand (R$ 668 thousand) to US$ 100 thousand (around R$ 405 thousand at the current price).
Revolt against suspension
The five-year suspension imposed on Nick Diaz The use of marijuana generated outrage from several fighters and fans of the sport, as the drug does not improve performance in competition. On the other hand, names like Anderson Silva, caught in a test using anabolic steroids, received a sentence of just 12 months.
UFC fighters aljamain sterling, Leslie Smith and Henry Cejudo announced that they would not fight in Las Vegas until the punishment was reversed.
Yes, Ronda Rousey, said that marijuana should not be a reason for suspension and criticized even the mild suspension of Anderson Silva, who was sentenced to 12 months on the hook. Another prominent athlete to declare his solidarity with Diaz was billionaire former boxer Floyd Maywaether Jr.
Fans of the sport also worked in favor of Nick. One of them created crowdfunding to help Diaz pay the fine, while a petition with more than 100 thousand signatures reached the White House for analysis by President Barack Obama.
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