According to Cesar Gracie on The MMA Hour, his charge Nick Diaz was highly surprised that he tested positive for marijuana following his defeat to Carlos Condit at UFC 143:
He was surprised he tested positive. He does the same ritual every fight for the last five years. He stops it in time and he cleanses his system, works out like crazy, drinks a lot of water and purges his system of it.
It’s more than likely that Diaz will receive a hefty fine and a lengthy ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) as a result of his drug infraction.
This is the second time Diaz has tested positive for marijuana, the first happening five years ago after his submission win over Takanori Gomi at Pride 33 in Japan. The test was taken prior to the fight, and the fight’s result was overturned to a no-contest. He was banned for six months and fined $3000.
Though the drug was used for medicinal purposes, the Commission still saw fit to pull the Stocktonian up on the violation, something that hasn’t sat to well with Gracie.
“I was very disappointed,” Gracie said. “Everyone knows he smokes marijuana medicinally in California. He has a legal right to do it in this state.”
It’s now common knowledge that the Stockton native subsequently retired from MMA following the judge’s decision to award Condit the win and, with it, the interim welterweight title.
And if the Commission decides to go ahead with its punitive measures, Diaz may hold firm with his retirement plans.
However, Gracie believes time away from the sport could force Diaz to reconsider, thus eventuating in his return to MMA:
It’s quite possible, actually,” Gracie said of Diaz possibly walking away. “I really believe he loves fighting. I think he’s fought too much and I think with all the politics that come with this sport and everything, the negativity, it’s a crazy thing and I don’t think he likes that part of it and the media and everything. He wanted to test himself as a martial artist and that was the most important thing, even more important than financial gain.
I think after a certain amount of time he’ll get the love back,” Gracie said. “So I do want him to go through this process and try to clear everything and get him back on track fighting.
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