Good news for all the potheads competing at UFC on ESPN 3.
It seems the Florida State Boxing Commission is changing its zero-tolerance policy on cannabinoids and will instead enforce regulation that is more consistent with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
That’s according to UFC Vice President of Athlete Performance, Jeff Novitzky, who told MMA Junkie that Titan FC flyweight champ Juan Puerta, hastily yanked from his title fight after testing positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), prompted the change.
Puerta admits he “messed up,” but was a bit incredulous over how it played out.
“It’s not like I’m taking performance-enhancing drugs,” Puerta told MMA Fighting. “Some people just have a lot of anxiety. I have a lot of anxiety before my fights. Bottom line, you’re getting locked in a cage with somebody who is trying to kill you or rip your head off. I just wanted to relax Monday and Tuesday while I’m cutting weight after I just finished a grueling, seven-week camp.”
Well that stinks. #TitanFC53 pic.twitter.com/HdbydsAzLQ
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) March 16, 2019
The commission makes its ruling on April 4.
As for the cast of UFC on ESPN 3, which includes the middleweight rematch between Yoel Romero and Ronaldo Souza, they’re expected to be judged according to the new guidelines, as that card (see it here) takes place April 27 in Ft. Lauderdale.